Sound investment decisions are built on economic understanding. At Chakor, our Economy section covers the macroeconomic trends, policy shifts, market movements, and financial developments that directly influence real estate, construction, and investment across Pakistan.
Whether you are tracking inflation, interest rates, or GDP growth, we break down what matters and what it means for your decisions.
KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange suffered a sharp sell-off on Monday as escalating hostilities in the Middle East drove the KSE-100 Index down 3,500 points to 148,201, from a previous close of 151,707.
The decline is the latest in a string of war-driven corrections. Earlier this month, the index shed over 16,000 points in a single session, its steepest single-day fall on record, triggering a temporary halt under PSX circuit-breaker regulations. The conflict, sparked by joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, has since cast a long shadow over domestic markets.
The turmoil is not confined to Pakistan. Global markets have been broadly rattled, with hedge funds in Europe rapidly unwinding leveraged positions and volatility spreading across U.S. Treasuries, gold, and currencies. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for roughly 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies, has produced what the International Energy Agency has called the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market, with Gulf production cuts exceeding 10 million barrels per day.
Oil prices surged further after Yemen’s Houthi movement launched ballistic missiles at Israeli targets over the weekend, widening the regional conflict. Brent crude climbed 2.47% to approximately $115.35 per barrel, up nearly 36% since hostilities began on February 27.
As a net oil importer, Pakistan faces compounding risks, inflationary pressure, current account stress, and currency vulnerability. While AKD Securities has suggested the direct economic impact remains manageable, analysts broadly agree that market recovery hinges on the conflict’s trajectory.
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KARACHI: Gold prices in Pakistan continued their volatile trajectory on Wednesday, recording a sharp increase of Rs15,200 per tola to reach Rs479,262, according to the All-Pakistan Gems and Jewellers Sarafa Association. The price of 10-gram gold also climbed by Rs13,031, settling at Rs410,889.
The latest surge follows a turbulent few sessions in the domestic market. Gold had previously risen by Rs16,300 per tola on Tuesday before that gain came on the heels of a steep decline of approximately Rs43,000, underscoring the extreme price swings that have characterized the market in recent days.
The domestic rally closely tracked developments in the international market, where spot gold prices rose nearly 2% to $4,554.97 per ounce after hitting a four-month low earlier in the week. US gold futures for April delivery posted an even sharper gain of 3.5 percent, reaching $4,553.60 per ounce, according to Reuters.
Market analysts attributed the rebound to easing inflation concerns, partly stemming from a recent decline in global oil prices. However, persistent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to cast a shadow of uncertainty over commodity markets, sustaining demand for gold as a protective asset.
Adnan Agar, Director at Interactive Commodities, offered a broader perspective on gold’s evolving role, noting that the metal has transitioned from a traditional safe-haven instrument to a recognized long-term investment class. He attributed this shift largely to aggressive gold purchases by central banks worldwide, as nations seek to reduce their dependence on the US dollar.
Looking ahead, futures market speculation suggests a potential price correction as markets enter their next phase. Analysts also cautioned that any escalation in crude oil prices could trigger broader inflationary pressures, potentially compelling central banks to curtail gold purchases.
Silver prices edged up by Rs370 per tola to Rs7,824, while the Pakistani rupee gained marginally, rising Rs0.01 to Rs279.21 against the US dollar in the interbank market.
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RAWALPINDI: Rawalpindi Division Commissioner Aamir Khattak conducted an on-site inspection of the ongoing beautification and infrastructure development project at Raja Bazaar, reviewing progress, construction quality, and safety compliance.
During the visit, the commissioner underscored the historical and commercial significance of Raja Bazaar, stressing that modernisation efforts must be balanced with the preservation of the area’s cultural and architectural heritage. He reiterated that only high-grade construction materials were to be used throughout the project.
With active construction causing disruption to the locality, Commissioner Khattak directed authorities to ensure dedicated access routes for pedestrians and shopkeepers, keeping public convenience a central consideration.
On safety, he mandated the use of helmets and protective jackets for all on-site workers, alongside proper signage, physical barriers, and adequate night lighting to reduce the risk of accidents.
Project officials briefed the commissioner on current progress. Underground shifting of utility lines, a major component of the scheme, has seen significant advancement, with Sui Gas work reaching 97 percent completion, followed by PTCL and WASA each at 95 percent, and IESCO at 92 percent.
Civil beautification works, which encompass the construction of arch walls, building facades, installation of tuff tiles, benches, streetlights, Victorian-style lighting, dustbins, planters, and entrance ornamentation, have reached 29% completion.
The project is expected to transform Raja Bazaar into a modern, well-organised commercial hub while retaining its historical character. All work is scheduled to be completed by May 30.
Commissioner Khattak noted that continued site visits would serve as a mechanism for ongoing quality assurance and progress monitoring.
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ISLAMABAD: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has announced that banks and financial institutions across the country will remain closed for four consecutive days from March 20 to March 23 due to Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, the weekly weekend, and Pakistan Day.
According to the central bankโs schedule, March 20 and 21 will be observed as public holidays on account of Eid al-Fitr. These will be followed by the regular weekly holiday on Sunday, March 22, and a public holiday on March 23 to mark Pakistan Day.
The closure will apply to all commercial banks, development finance institutions, and microfinance banks operating nationwide. The State Bank of Pakistan will also remain closed during this period.
Following the holiday break, normal banking operations are expected to resume on March 24.
The federal government has already declared Eid holidays for both five-day and six-day working offices, aligning with the banking schedule. The extended closure period may affect routine financial transactions, including in-branch services and processing activities.
Customers are expected to rely on digital banking channels and ATMs for essential services during the holiday period.
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ISLAMABAD: A Pakistan-bound oil tanker successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend, marking the first recorded passage of a non-Iranian cargo vessel through the waterway since Iran close strait of hormuz and imposed restrictions on shipping following the outbreak of hostilities on February 28.
The Aframax-class tanker, operated by Pakistan National Shipping Corporation, completed its Strait of Hormuz transit on approximately March 15 after loading crude oil at Das Island in Abu Dhabi. The vessel was recorded navigating along the Iranian coastline of the Strait of Hormuz before altering course eastward toward Pakistan, where it is expected to dock on March 17.ย
Maritime intelligence firm MarineTraffic confirmed it was the first non-Iranian cargo ship to transit the Strait of Hormuz with its Automatic Identification System signal active, indicating that select nations have succeeded in securing negotiated passage through the strait.
Iran Strait of Hormuz Importance
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. At its narrowest navigable point, the Strait of Hormuz measures only 3.2 kilometres wide in each direction, yet serves as the transit corridor for approximately one-fifth of the world’s daily crude oil supply and one quarter of global seaborne liquefied natural gas exports.ย
There is no commercially viable alternative route for Gulf producers, making the Strait of Hormuz the most critical maritime chokepoint in the global energy system. Since Iranian forces effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to the majority of international shipping, Brent crude has surged more than 40 percent, trading above $100 per barrel as of this week.
Iran Publicly Thanks Pakistan for ‘Strong Support’
The successful Strait of Hormuz transit prompted an immediate public response from Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, in a post in Urdu on X formerly Twitter on Monday, extended his “heartfelt gratitude to the government and people of Pakistan for their strong expression of solidarity and support with the people and government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.” He further affirmed that Iran stood with steadfastness in defence of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The statement reflects Iran’s policy of selectively permitting Strait of Hormuz passage to vessels from nations it regards as neutral or sympathetic. Pakistan’s Foreign Office has formally described Islamabad’s role throughout the conflict as that of a “bridge builder” a posture that has yielded a direct economic benefit in the form of access through the Strait of Hormuz that Western-aligned nations currently cannot secure.
Naval Operation and Selective Access
In the days preceding the Strait of Hormuz transit, Pakistan’s navy launched Operation Muhafiz-ul-Bahr to safeguard commercial shipping lanes and Pakistani-flagged vessels in regional waters. Naval authorities established contact with Iranian counterparts ahead of the passage. A military source confirmed no escort was ultimately required for the vessel.
Iran’s selective approach to the Strait of Hormuz blockade has extended to other nations as well.ย
Pakistan’s Economic Exposure
Pakistan’s dependence on the Strait of Hormuz is among the most acute of any economy in the region. Approximately 80 percent of the country’s crude oil imports are ordinarily routed through the strait, and nearly 90 percent of its liquefied natural gas is sourced from Qatarall of which transits the Strait of Hormuz.
With strategic petroleum reserves of only 10 to 14 days, Pakistan has limited capacity to absorb prolonged disruption. The government has already enacted its largest single fuel price revision on record, raising petrol to Rs 321 per litre and diesel to Rs 335 per litre, an increase of 17 to 20 percent in a single adjustment.
A second PNSC tanker, which loaded crude at Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu, was approximately three sailing days from Pakistan at the time of reporting. Pakistan’s finance ministry confirmed petroleum stocks remain comfortable, with supply coverage extending into mid-April, while diversification of import routes beyond the Hormuz corridor remains actively underway.
Pakistan’s Diplomatic Posture
The tanker’s Strait of Hormuz passage is the most concrete economic outcome of Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement since hostilities began. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif travelled to Saudi Arabia on March 12 for a meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
At the United Nations Security Council, Pakistan maintained a calibrated position condemning strikes on Iran, affirming solidarity with Gulf states, and consistently urging all parties toward a negotiated resolution to the Hormuz crisis.
Whether the access Pakistan has secured through the Hormuz can be sustained, and whether it proves sufficient to shield an economy so heavily dependent on this single passage, remains the defining economic question for Islamabad in the weeks ahead.
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TEHRAN/BEIJING: Iran is weighing a proposal to allow a limited number of oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz, provided the associated cargo is traded exclusively in Chinese yuan, according to a senior Iranian official cited by CNN.ย
The condition would mark a significant departure from the dollar-denominated conventions that govern the vast majority of global oil transactions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has confirmed that the strait remains open to international shipping, with the explicit exclusion of vessels linked to the United States and Israel.
The proposal aligns with Beijing’s longstanding objective of internationalising the yuan in global commodity markets. Approximately 45 per cent of China’s crude oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making uninterrupted access a strategic priority for the world’s second-largest economy.
For Tehran, the arrangement offers a means of circumventing US sanctions that have severely constrained its economy, while deepening financial ties with one of its principal oil importers and reducing dependence on the dollar-dominated financial system.
The Strait’s effective closure, following joint US-Israeli military operations that began on 28 February, has severely disrupted global energy markets. Brent crude surpassed $100 per barrel on 8 March, peaking at $126. Vessel traffic has declined by approximately 97 per cent since 2 March, with only ships from nations Iran considers friendly, including India, China, and Turkey, granted limited passage.ย
US President Donald Trump has announced that the Navy will begin escorting oil tankers through the waterway and has claimed that American forces conducted strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island, the country’s primary oil export terminal.
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KARACHI: Pakistan’s petroleum dealers have issued a stern warning to the federal government, threatening to suspend the sale of petrol and diesel immediately after Eid al-Fitr if their longstanding demand for revised profit margins is not met.
The ultimatum was delivered by the leadership of the Pakistan Petroleum Dealers Association (PPDA) at a press conference held at the Karachi Press Club on Friday, March 13, 2026.
The PPDA has given the government until March 26 to increase dealers’ profit margins from the current 2.59 percent to 8 percent, a demand that has gained urgency in the wake of a steep Rs55-per-litre hike in petrol and diesel prices. At present, dealers earn approximately Rs8.64 per litre on fuel sales, a figure the association describes as wholly inadequate given the rising cost pressures on the sector.
Speaking at the press conference, PPDA leaders Abdul Sami Khan, Tariq Hasan, and Ameer Khan Masood argued that the combined effect of the petroleum levy and recent price increases has placed an unsustainable burden on both dealers and end consumers. The association further accused oil marketing companies (OMCs) of deliberately capping oil supplies to retail outlets, a practice it claims has led to fuel shortages at numerous pumps across the country.
The PPDA leadership also called for a formal government investigation into the conduct of OMCs, alleging that these companies have reaped significant inventory gains from profits on old fuel stocks, profits dealers say have come at the expense of those operating at the retail level.
This is not the first time dealers have raised these concerns. According to the PPDA, they have been pressing the government for upward margin revisions for over two years, with little to no response. Industry observers warn that a post-Eid strike, if carried out, could cause considerable disruption to fuel supply chains at a time when transport and economic activity typically surge.
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Chand Raat is the most electric night of the year in Pakistan. The moment the moon is sighted, announcements ring from mosques and television channels, and families immediately head to bazaars, markets, and malls. Festivities begin almost instantly and continue all night until Fajr. Mehndi. Bangles. Last-minute outfits. Street food at midnight. It is all part of the experience. This guide covers the best chand raat market in Lahore 2026, the top chand raat bazaar in Karachi, and where to go for chand raat shopping in Islamabad in one place, with verified 2026 links and ticket details.
Table of Contents
When is Chand Raat 2026?
Best Chand Raat Market in Lahore 2026
Top Chand Raat Bazaar in Karachi
Chand Raat Shopping in Islamabad
Eid Shopping Tips for Pakistan
FAQs
When is Chand Raat 2026?
Chand Raat in Pakistan depends on the sighting of the Shawwal moon. Based on lunar calendar predictions, Chand Raat 2026 is expected to fall on either Friday, 20 March 2026, or Saturday, 21 March 2026, depending on the official moon sighting announcement.
The Central Ruet e Hilal Committee meets on the 29th of Ramadan to confirm the moon sighting. Their decision is broadcast on national television and followed across the country.
Expected Chand Raat 2026 Details
Detail
Information
Expected Chand Raat
20 or 21 March 2026
Expected Eid ul Fitr
21 or 22 March 2026
Official confirmation
Central Ruet e Hilal Committee
Market hours
Many markets stay open until 2 AM to 4 AM
Once the moon is officially announced, celebrations begin immediately. Families head to bazaars, shopping streets, and malls for the final round of Eid shopping.
Best Chand Raat Market in Lahore 2026
Lahore has options for every kind of shopper a historic 200-year-old bazaar, a polished ticketed lifestyle event, and everything in between.
Mashion Bazaar: Chaand Raat Top Pick for 2026
This is the headline event for Chand Raat in Lahore this year.
The event features 150+ vendors covering local fashion, beauty, and home dรฉcor brands, alongside mehndi, workshops, food stalls, beauty activations, kids’ arts & crafts, an adult gaming zone, and an interactive photo booth.
It is backed by Mashion, the digital lifestyle platform founded by Mahira Khan with over 649,000 Instagram followers.It sells out early. Book as soon as possible.
Anarkali Bazaar The Soul of Lahore
For the classic, unfiltered Chand Raat experience, nothing beats Anarkali.
Anarkali is one of the oldest surviving markets in the Indian Subcontinent, dating back at least 200 years. It is split into Old Anarkali, famous for food, and New Anarkali, known for traditional handicrafts and embroidery.
Bano Bazaar within New Anarkali is especially popular among women for clothes, bangles, henna, shoes, and accessories.
What to buy at Anarkali on Chand Raat:
Bangles and chooriyan
Mehndi (street artists line every corner)
Embroidered and printed suits
Traditional footwear (khussa)
Street food: Dahi bhalle, chaat, gol gappay
Getting there: Metro Bus stops near Mall Road. Rickshaw from any central Lahore point.
Liberty Market Brands + Festive Buzz
Located next to Main Boulevard in Gulberg, Liberty Market offers silk, lace, footwear, ready apparel, and more. It is also known for its restaurants, kiosks, and food outlets.On Chand Raat, string lights go up, and stalls spill onto footpaths.ย
Location: Liberty Roundabout, Main Boulevard, Gulberg III
Gulberg MM Alam Road For a Relaxed Late-Night Shop
Gulberg is the calmer, more walkable option for Chand Raat in Lahore.
Boutiques, jewellery stores, and cafes all join the Chand Raat spirit
Less dense than Anarkali, better for families with young children
Restaurants stay open late, ideal for a post-shopping meal
Lahore Chand Raat Market at a Glance
Market
Best For
Vibe
Entry
Mashion Bazaar
Brands, events, mehndi
Curated, ticketed
Rs. 750โ1,400
Anarkali Bano Bazaar
Bangles, suits, street food
Traditional, crowded
Free
Liberty Market
Premium brands, footwear
Festive, commercial
Free
Gulberg MM Alam
Boutiques, dining
Relaxed, upscale
Free
Top Chand Raat Bazaar in Karachi
Shopping areas from Saddar to Hyderi and Clifton to Tariq Road and Bahadurabad come alive as families rush out for shoes, matching dupattas, bangles, and last-minute essentials.
The event brings together shopping, food, dรฉcor, music, and a festive crowd under one roof. It features local brands, clothing stalls, jewellery, accessories, and curated photo-friendly setups. Families prefer it for the security and parking arrangements. Younger crowds are drawn to the aesthetic and social atmosphere.
Tariq Road The Chand Raat Market of Karachi
Tariq Road is the heart of Chand Raat energy in Karachi. If you want the full experience, this is where you go.
Footpath stalls stretch the entire length of the road
Bangle sellers, mehndi artists, and clothing plazas all at once
Active from Iftar until well past 2 AM
Traffic Note: Karachi Traffic Police typically announce restrictions on rickshaws and taxis on Tariq Road from Allah Wali to Ittehad Signal in Bahadurabad ahead of Chand Raat.Use cab-hailing services and plan your drop-off point in advance.
Saddar & Zainab Market Central and Budget-Friendly
Saddar’s main streets include Abdullah Haroon Road, Zaibunnisa Street, Zainab Market, and Bohri Bazaar.
Best buys here:
Artificial jewellery and accessories
Affordable ready-to-wear
Cosmetics and beauty items
Bangles at wholesale prices
Hyderi Market & Bahadurabad Family-Friendly Pick
Hyderi and Bahadurabad offer a slightly more manageable but equally festive Chand Raat market vibe ideal for families who want shopping, bangles, and food all within walking distance.
Zamzama, DHA The Upscale Alternative
Zamzama is known for upscale boutiques and a calmer environment a good choice if you prefer curated shopping and branded stores alongside the Chand Raat market.
Karachi Chand Raat Market at a Glance
Market / Event
Best For
Crowd Level
Entry
Chaand Taaray, DHA
Brands, food, ambiance
Moderate (organised)
Ticketed
Tariq Road
Everything full experience
Very high
Free
Saddar & Zainab Market
Budget, accessories
High
Free
Hyderi & Bahadurabad
Families, mixed shopping
Moderate
Free
Zamzama, DHA
Boutiques, upscale
Lowโmoderate
Free
Chand Raat Shopping in Islamabad
Islamabad’s Chand Raat market scene has grown fast. The capital now has curated events, mall melas, and lively traditional markets all worth visiting.
The Commons: Chaandni Raatein Top Pick for 2026
Islamabad’s premier curated Chand Raat event for 2026.
Book early, these events sell out quickly in the capital.
Centaurus & Safa Gold Mall Mall Mela Experience
Centaurus Mall is one of the most accessible options for Chand Raat, with mehndi and bangle stalls set up both inside and outside. Safa Gold Mall hosts a Chand Raat Mela on its ground floor with vibrant stalls, live performances, and a variety of shopping and mehndi options.ย
Islamabad’s malls dazzle with yellow dรฉcor lights and traditional mehndi setups on Chand Raat night.
What to expect at Mall Melas:
Bangle and jewellery stalls
Mehndi artists (book a slot early)
Local clothing and accessories brands
Food court stays open late
Safe, air-conditioned, family-friendly
Jinnah Super & Super Market, F-7 Traditional Market Spirit
Mehndi artists at Super Market and Jinnah Super have made Chand Raat a tradition, with shoppers returning year after year for the festive atmosphere.ย
Well-connected, accessible, and open late. Good for mehndi, bangles, and last-minute clothing runs.
F-10 Markaz The Local Favourite
F-10 Markaz is one of Islamabad’s go-to areas for Chand Raat shopping. Traditional bazaar stalls spill outside the shops and the market stays lively well past midnight. Feels more like an old-school bazaar than a mall a good balance of the two worlds.
G-11 Women’s Sahulat Bazaar Hidden Gem
Islamabad’s Ramadan Sahulat Bazaar in Sector G-11 features 48 stalls specifically allocated to women vendors, operating during Chand Raat. It offers festive Eid items, bangles, mehndi, garments, alongside daily essentials at officially notified, subsidised rates.
Islamabad Chand Raat Markets at a Glance
Chand Raat Market
Best For
Vibe
Entry
The Commons: Chaandni Raatein
Curated event, brands
Festive, organised
Ticketed
Centaurus Mall
Convenience, mehndi
Family-friendly
Free
Safa Gold Mall
Mela, performances
Lively
Free
F-10 Markaz
Traditional bazaar feel
Local, buzzing
Free
Jinnah Super / Super Market F-7
Mehndi, bangles
Classic
Free
G-11 Women’s Sahulat Bazaar
Budget Eid shopping
Calm, organised
Free
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Chand Raat 2026 in Pakistan?
The central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee will officially announce the dates of Eid-ul-Fitr in Pakistan 2026 and Chand Raat as well.
What is the best Chand Raat market in Lahore 2026?
For a curated event:Mashion Bazaar at Lahore Polo Club (14โ15 March, Rs. 750/day). For the traditional experience: Anarkali’s Bano Bazaar.
Where is the best Chand Raat bazaar in Karachi?
Tariq Road for the full street bazaar experience.Locate Bazaar: Chaand Taaray at Andalusian Banquets DHA for a curated, family-safe event.ย
What time do Chand Raat market close?
Most traditional bazaars stay open until 2โ4 AM. Mashion Bazaar closes at 12 AM. Chaand Taaray runs until 2 AM. Mall melas in Islamabad typically close by 1โ2 AM.
Is there a Chand Raat market in Islamabad in 2026?
Yes.The Commons: Chaandni Raatein is the main ticketed event. Safa Gold Mall and Centaurus also host free entry Chand Raat market.
Is Chand Raat market safe for families?
Yes, all three cities are generally family-safe on Chand Raat. Mashion Bazaar and Chaand Taaray are explicitly family-only events.ย
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ISLAMABAD: As Pakistan joyfully enters the final days of Ramazan, vibrant and bustling markets across the country are painting an encouraging picture of economic resilience and renewed consumer confidence.
From the lively streets of Karachi to the colourful bazaars of Gilgit-Baltistan, late-night shoppers are flooding markets with remarkable enthusiasm, signalling a heartening revival in grassroots economic activity.
The festive shopping surge spanning traditional clothing, Kashmiri bangles, handcrafted footwear, and sparkling jewellery is delivering a powerful and welcome boost to Pakistan’s vast informal retail sector.
Hardworking vendors, skilled artisans, and dedicated small business owners are reaping the rewards of months of careful preparation, with sales climbing impressively after each evening’s iftar. This seasonal wave of spending is injecting vital and much-needed liquidity into millions of small and medium enterprises that proudly form the beating heart of Pakistan’s economy.
Economists and market observers view the extraordinary consumer turnout as a deeply encouraging indicator of household resilience. Despite navigating challenging economic conditions over the past few years, Pakistani families are demonstrating admirable determination to celebrate their traditions, sustain their communities, and support local businesses.
The strong footfall across both traditional bazaars and modern shopping malls reflects a pleasing and growing confidence among urban consumers, a confidence that bodes exceptionally well for economic momentum in the months ahead.
Particularly uplifting is the surging popularity of domestically crafted goods. The overwhelming demand for Kashmiri bangles, Peshawari chappals, and handwoven khussas is celebrating and empowering local artisans, strengthening cottage industries, and championing the rich cultural heritage of Pakistani craftsmanship.
The glowing, laughter-filled bazaars of Ramazan’s final nights beautifully capture the spirit of a nation that remains energetic, hopeful, and forward-looking. They stand as a shining testament to Pakistan’s enduring economic vitality and the unbreakable spirit of its people.
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ISLAMABAD: The State Bank of Pakistan has issued a comprehensive advisory ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr 2026, urging citizens to use official banking channels to obtain new currency notes and to refrain from purchasing them from black-market vendors at inflated prices.
The central bank confirmed that arrangements for the distribution of freshly printed currency notes were finalised ahead of the festive season, with Eid expected around March 20. Citizens are encouraged to submit their requests well in advance to avoid last-minute difficulties.
The SBP has outlined several official methods for the public to obtain new notes. The primary channel is the bank’s dedicated SMS service on the short code 8877, which is activated during the second week of Ramadan. Citizens are required to send their CNIC number and preferred bank branch code to 8877, after which the system generates a unique transaction code along with the address of the designated branch.
Upon visiting the specified branch, citizens must present their original CNIC and a photocopy for verification. The SBP has explicitly stated that no additional charges or service fees are applicable during this process. In addition to branch services, many commercial banks load newer denomination notes, particularly Rs500 and Rs1,000 bills, into ATMs during the final ten days of Ramadan. SBP Banking Services Corporation offices in major cities, including Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, also distribute new notes on a first-come, first-served basis.
Despite the availability of official channels, a segment of the public continues to turn to open-market vendors for convenience or due to limited bank quotas. Authorities have flagged that traders are selling new notes at significantly inflated premiums and have called upon citizens to report such illegal activity to the relevant authorities.
The SBP has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring smooth and equitable access to new currency notes for all citizens during the Eid festivities.
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