As Ramadan begins in Pakistan, the festive spirit is overshadowed by rising inflation, making it increasingly difficult for families to prepare traditional iftar meals. Markets, usually bustling with eager shoppers, are filled with complaints about soaring food prices and declining quality.
Hours before iftar, fruit markets and food stalls were packed with shoppers looking for essentials like dates, fresh fruit, and popular Ramadan snacks such as crispy samosas and flavorful pakoras. However, many were met with sticker shock.
“Prices have tripled, and shopkeepers’ attitudes have drastically changed with Ramadan’s arrival,” said Syed Najam ul Hassan, a shopper in Karachi. “They used to be welcoming, but now they are restrictive, not even allowing us to select our own fruits.”
The economic strain has dampened the usual excitement of Ramadan shopping, with families struggling to afford the variety of dishes they typically prepare for iftar. Pakistan has been grappling with high inflation in recent months, affecting essential commodities such as wheat, sugar, and cooking oil.
Despite the financial burden, the spirit of Ramadan remains alive. At Memon Mosque in Karachi, worshippers gathered for the first communal iftar of the month, sharing meals in an atmosphere of gratitude and togetherness.
“It feels wonderful,” said Sher Khan, a worshipper. “The atmosphere is amazing. We are hosting our first iftar at Memon Mosque, and I hope this spirit continues throughout Ramadan, by the grace of God.”
However, for many, this Ramadan feels different. The combination of high inflation, reduced purchasing power, and poor-quality food has left many struggling to observe the holy month as they once did.
“Our effort to decorate the table with various dishes and fruits is overshadowed by harsh economic realities,” said Hassan. “High inflation and declining quality have made this Ramadan particularly challenging compared to previous years.”
Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is observed by millions of Muslims in Pakistan, where more than 90 percent of the country’s 240 million people fast from dawn to sunset. Traditionally, it is a time of reflection, charity, and community, but this year, economic hardship has added a layer of difficulty to the observance of the sacred month.
