ACCORDING to news reports, this Eid people indulged in record spending. This is corroborated by the rush of people in markets and shopping centres. There were traffic jams because of the extraordinary number of vehicles of all hues on roads in all cities in the latter half of the holy month. The shopping spree continued till the early morning hours of Eid day.

On the three days declared public holiday for Eid, parks, hotels and all other public places were overflowing with humanity. Naturally, the eateries and amusement arcades did a roaring business.

One marvels at the level of spending and wonders whether this is an indicator of actual prosperity or yet another mirage as our people love to live it up on borrowed money.

Prof. Dr Zia Ahmed

Multan

Published in Dawn, June 21st, 2018