Aleena Zara Malik

People have a lot of questions about Eid, and Google definitely has answers. This episode of Debunkistan takes on the most searched queries from non-Muslims and breaks them down with humour, context, and a much-needed reality check.

Debunkistan

This episode of Debunkistan takes on the most searched queries from non-Muslims and breaks them down with humour, context, and a much-needed reality check.

Most searched questions about Eid | Debunkistan

Faraz Saeed

LAHORE: As Eid ul Fitr festivities concluded, markets across Pakistan witnessed peak commercial activity, capping weeks of heightened economic momentum driven by festive spending. Eid ul Fitr, one of the most significant occasions in the Islamic calendar, marked the conclusion of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, prayer and reflection. The festival began with special congregational prayers, followed by family gatherings, exchange of gifts, charitable giving and shared meals, as Muslims celebrated both spiritual renewal and community. On the eve of Eid, commercial centers across the country, especially in the eastern city of Lahore, remained crowded late into the night as last-minute shoppers finalized purchases ranging from clothing and footwear to jewelry and mehndi. At Liberty Market, the rush intensified as families completed their Eid preparations. &ldquo;I was shopping for jewelry and clothes, and I also planned to get mehndi done,&rdquo; said Sidra, a shopper speaking to Pakistan TV Digital. &ldquo;My total budget was around Rs30,000 [$107] to Rs40,000 [$143].&rdquo; Retailers reported an exceptional season, with strong consumer turnout translating into significant gains. Muhammad Tayyab, a shopkeeper, described the surge in business as unprecedented in recent years. &ldquo;Sales increased by around 70% to 80% compared to previous years,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;In the past seven years, business had not been this strong. This Eid season brought a very positive change for retailers.&rdquo; The spike in commercial activity reflected broader seasonal financial trends. The State Bank of Pakistan reported that currency in circulation rose by approximately Rs1.5 trillion ($5.38 billion) in FY25, with a marked increase during Ramadan and Eid due to heightened consumer spending. In addition, around Rs27 billion ($96.8 million) in fresh currency notes were issued ahead of Eid last year, helping facilitate transactions during the peak shopping period. Fresh notes are preferred for the tradition of Eidi, where elders give cash gifts to children and younger family members. Crisp currency symbolizes festivity and generosity, making it ideal for gifting during Eid. Economic experts pointed to further inflows boosting purchasing power. &ldquo;Zakat and Fitrana, estimated at Rs50 billion [$179.2 million] to Rs70 billion [$251 million] this year, circulated among lower-income groups,&rdquo; said Waqas Ghani, Head of Research at JS Global. &ldquo;Remittances also typically increased by 15% to 30% during this period, further fueling spending across markets.&rdquo; As the country marked Eid, the convergence of spiritual celebration and economic activity highlighted the festival&rsquo;s dual significance, strengthening both social bonds and commercial vitality nationwide.

Economy

Culture

Pakistan’s Eid economy surges as spending peaks, with Rs1.5 trillion in circulation, Rs27 billion in fresh notes issued, and Rs50–70 billion redistributed through Zakat, Fitrana and rising remittances.

Eid spending surge fuels retail boom across Pakistan markets

Asfandyar Yahya

Eid ul-Fitr might look like a festival filled with food, family, and joy, but behind it is a much deeper idea about discipline, self-control, and returning to your original state. In this episode of Tell Me Why, we explore the meaning behind Ramadan, what fasting actually does to the body and mind, and why Eid isn&rsquo;t just about ending hunger but understanding it.

Tell Me Why

In this episode of Tell Me Why, we explore the meaning behind Ramadan, what fasting actually does to the body and mind, and why Eid isn’t just about ending hunger but understanding it.

Tell me why we celebrate Eid

Web Desk

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan marked Eid ul Fitr with religious devotion, vibrant celebrations, and a strong message of unity, as millions gathered for special prayers while the country balanced festivity with economic caution amid a global crisis. From the early hours of the morning, worshippers, including children dressed in new clothes, thronged mosques and open prayer grounds across cities and villages. Families embraced after prayers, while streets filled with a festive atmosphere marked by traditional food, greetings, and visits to relatives. Eid ul Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting, prayer, and charity. Muslims celebrate the occasion with communal prayers, giving to the poor, and sharing meals, reflecting both spiritual renewal and social solidarity. In his message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated the nation and urged collective responsibility in challenging times. &ldquo;This Eid specially demands human sympathy, national unity, and collective responsibility from us,&rdquo; he said, adding that &ldquo;the true joys of Eid are only complete when we share these joys with the deserving and needy individuals around us.&rdquo; Addressing the economic situation, the prime minister highlighted the impact of regional conflict and surging global oil prices. &ldquo;Oil that was available for $72 per barrel a few weeks ago has crossed $158 per barrel,&rdquo; he noted, warning that the burden of rising prices was being felt globally. He said the government had rejected steep fuel price increases to protect citizens. &ldquo;I rejected this proposal because I knew the previous increase was already a heavy burden on the common man,&rdquo; he said, adding that the government absorbed costs of around Rs69 billion to prevent sharp hikes. However, he cautioned that such measures were temporary. &ldquo;This is not a lasting solution,&rdquo; he said, announcing a shift toward targeted relief for the most vulnerable and calling for a national movement of austerity. &ldquo;We must adopt austerity in our daily lives and avoid unnecessary expenses,&rdquo; he urged. President Asif Ali Zardari, in his Eid message, emphasized unity, compassion, and adherence to national values. &ldquo;The true message of Eid is piety, self-accountability and moral purity,&rdquo; he said, urging citizens to uphold patience, tolerance and brotherhood. He also called for sharing happiness with the underprivileged and reaffirming commitment to constitutional supremacy and the rule of law. Economic impactAlongside the celebrations, Eid once again demonstrated its significant economic impact. Seasonal spending surged nationwide, with the State Bank of Pakistan reporting a rise of Rs1.5 trillion (approximately $5.38 billion) in currency circulation during the fiscal year, driven largely by Ramadan and Eid-related activity. The central bank also issued around Rs27 billion ($96.8 million) in fresh currency notes ahead of Eid, supporting both retail transactions and the cultural tradition of giving Eidi, cash gifts to children. Additional financial inflows further strengthened consumer activity, with Zakat and Fitrana estimated between Rs50 to 70 billion ($179 to $251 million), alongside increased remittances during the period. Despite global economic pressures linked to ongoing regional tensions, the convergence of faith, festivity, and financial activity highlighted Eid&rsquo;s dual significance in Pakistan, both as a deeply spiritual occasion and a key driver of economic life. As the nation celebrated, messages from its leadership underscored a shared theme: unity, compassion and collective resilience in the face of extraordinary challenges.

Muslims offer Eid al-Fitr prayers, which marks the end of the Islamic holy fasting month of Ramadan, in Skardu, Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan, on March 21, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urges unity, austerity, and support for the poor, while President Asif Ali Zardari emphasizes compassion, piety, and national cohesion

Articles tagged with "Eid"

Most searched questions about Eid | Debunkistan

Eid spending surge fuels retail boom across Pakistan markets

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Tell me why we celebrate Eid