Islamabad: As the summer season reaches its peak, street vendors in the Federal Capital are cashing in on Pakistan’s status as a major date-exporting country. Colorful displays of fresh, raw dates are drawing in customers from all over the city, enticing them with their irresistible flavor and aroma.
Pakistan is the world’s fifth-largest producer of dates, accounting for over 10% of global production. The country’s date palms are mainly found in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan, where the ideal climate and soil conditions allow for a bountiful harvest.
In the Federal Capital, street vendors like Muhammad Ali have set up shop, showcasing an array of dates in various shapes, sizes, and colors. “I sell dates from Sukkur and Khairpur, which are famous for their sweetness and quality,” Ali says, as he arranges his dates in an attractive pyramid shape on his bicycle.
Customers rave about the freshness and taste of the dates, with many regulars returning to buy more. “I come here every week to buy dates for my family,” says Ayesha Khan, a local resident. “The quality is always excellent, and the prices are reasonable.”
With Pakistan’s date exports on the rise, street vendors like Muhammad Ali are playing a vital role in promoting the country’s sweet and succulent produce to a wider audience.
