At a market on January 16, 2021, in Karachi, Pakistan, people walk along fruit stalls.
Image Source: Reuters
Islamabad: Pakistani citizens have launched a nationwide boycott of fruit vendors for four days from March 27 to 31, frustrated by skyrocketing prices and profiteering during Ramadan.
Posts calling for a boycott of fruit vendors who charge more than the fixed prices have been flooding social media. Numerous individuals have encouraged others to participate in the protest by using the trending hashtag #BoycottFruits. Pakistanis, who believe they are being overcharged for essential items because vendors are not adhering to the government-set fixed price list, have given the campaign a lot of support.
“We are being charged double, triple the actual price of fruits,” ad by Aliya Ahmed, a resident of Islamabad, stated, "It is unfair, especially during Ramadan when people are already struggling to make ends meet due to inflation."
Guavas were being sold for Rs400 per kilogram and bananas at inflated prices of Rs400 per dozen in Islamabad. Apples were being sold for Rs450 per kilogram, while papayas were also being overpriced at Rs200 per kilogram. Fruit chat (a Pakistani fruit salad with spices) primarily consists of oranges, bananas, guavas, and apples.
How did the demonstration begin?
The boycott began with a straightforward WhatsApp message. The demonstration got its start in Karachi, where people decided to stop buying fruit for at least three days to get sellers to lower their prices. More people received the shared message encouraging them to avoid purchasing fruits, and the movement gained momentum on Facebook and Twitter, with hundreds of social media users supporting the boycott.
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