With the arrival of Eidul Azha, prices of vegetables have almost doubled across the country as storekeepers are selling items at their own rates rather than following the official price list given by the government.
In Lahore, the price of onions has been in a range of Rs 80 to Rs 110, while tomatoes are being sold at Rs 140 per kg from Rs 100 per kg.
Lemons and garlic, the two most used vegetables during Eid ul Adha have also become expensive. Lemons are being sold at Rs 320 per kg and garlic is available within a range of Rs 250 to Rs 300 per kg.
Inflation in Pakistan accelerates to 21.32% in June amid higher food and fuel costs
Besides other vegetables, the prices of green chilies have skyrocketed to Rs 120 per kg while a bunch of coriander is been sold at Rs 20.
On June 29, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee stated that the Zil-Hajj moon had not been sighted in the country, saying that the holy festival of Eid ul Adha in Pakistan will be observed on July 10 (Sunday).
Chairman Maulana Syed Abdul Khabir Azad had publicized the decision following a meeting of the committee, conducted in Karachi after Maghrib prayers to sight the crescent moon.
Speaking at a press conference, the chairman had said no evidence of the moon being sighted was received from any part of the country.
The first day of Zil hajj would be on July 1 (Friday), Azad had added.
“May God grant the blessings of the upcoming days to the entire Islamic world and this beloved country of mine,” he said.
Moreover, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has approved a holiday of five days for Eid ul Adha in the country.
As per a statement issued from the PM Office, the premier approved Eid ul Adha holidays from July 8 to 12.
The Cabinet Division is likely to now issue an announcement in this regard.
