Pakistan inflation-hit consumers welcome ‘cheap’ Iranian products

Tough times: Children watch a movie on a man’s mobile phone as they rest under a tree at a market in Islamabad. Iranian goods were earlier available only in Lyari, but now traders are expanding their outreach to almost all parts of the country, including the capital. — AFP

ISLAMABAD: With food inflation up to 42% in urban areas, a large number of consumers are opting for slightly cheaper but “higher quality” smuggled Iranian products, such as oil and cheese, readily available in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Several shops in the twin cities have dedicated racks for Iranian goods, but the best place to bargain for these items, mainly packaged food, is the weekly bazaar at Peshawar Morr.