Heat drives surge in demand for net curtains
A labourer carries brightly coloured rolls of net curtains on his shoulders for sale on City Saddar Road, aiming to attract customers seeking relief from the scorching heat and protection against insects. PHOTO: AGHA MAHROZ /EXPRESS
Amid the ongoing intense summer heat, the demand and prices of colourful net curtains have soared in markets across the city. Residents and shopkeepers are increasingly buying these curtains to cover doors, windows, balconies, courtyards, and lawns, seeking relief from the heat and protection from insects, despite a noticeable hike in prices.
Street vendors have also started selling these net curtains. The curtains are available in various colours, including white, blue, red, green, orange, and black. The most basic variety is being sold at Rs450 per meter, while slightly better quality costs Rs650. Good quality curtains are priced at Rs850 per meter, and the highest-quality colourful net curtains are available for Rs1,050 per meter.
Stitching charges, depending on the size of windows or doors, are around Rs350. Apart from residential use, many people who keep livestock or pets have begun installing these curtains in animal enclosures to prevent mosquitoes and insects from entering.
A large number of people are installing these beautiful net curtains on their balconies. They are also being used to cover water tanks on rooftops to prevent colour fading. These curtains are also in high demand in government and private hospitals, clinics, and dengue wards to prevent mosquito breeding. With the summer heat peaking in May, June, and July, demand for these curtains is expected to remain high. Large shops also have a high demand for the installation of these curtains.
A resident, Agha Qizilbash, noted that the prices of net curtains have increased by 30 to 35 per cent compared to last year. However, their installation can significantly reduce the intensity of direct sunlight and provide shade, which is beneficial for livestock and birds.
Shahbaz Ali, a street vendor, shared that last year the prices ranged from Rs300 to Rs800 per meter, depending on quality.
This year, prices have risen significantly, now starting at Rs450 and going up to Rs1,050 per meter. He attributed the surge to the prolonged heatwave, rising temperatures, and the burden of increased taxes and duties on imported materials. Ali starts selling curtains from the end of May, and it's currently at their peak. After June, the sales of net curtains typically decline.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
10 hours ago
- Express Tribune
CM distributes Rs400m to specially-abled people
At a ceremony held at the Chief Minister House, under the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPD), Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced financial assistance of Rs400 million for the welfare of specially-abled people. Aimed at creating an inclusive, empowered, and equitable society, cheques were distributed among 56 partner organisations at the event, with the aid amounts, reportedly, already transferred to the beneficiaries. Further, CM Shah announced that the DEPD budget would be increased to Rs800 million for the next fiscal year, and that 20 new centres have been established, in collaboration with NGOs, while the capacities of 15 existing centres have been enhanced. Transport has also been provided at 66 centres, offering pick-and-drop services. The CM noted that 12 CRTs (rehabilitation centres) will become functional by the end of this year, with one centre established in each district. Regarding inclusive education, CM Shah announced that a special directorate and curriculum have been developed to enroll children with disabilities in regular schools. He also deemed assistive technologies such as wheelchairs, prosthetic limbs, and communication devices, as symbols of independence and dignity for specially-abled persons, directing the installation of wheelchair ramps in all government buildings and mentioning that the Chief Minister House is now fully accessible At the close of the ceremony, specially-abled children presented tableaus paying tribute to the Pakistan Army, and also gifted artworks to the CM.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Express Tribune
Rawalpindi Board exams conclude
Students dive into their Intermediate exams with determination and focus at APWA Government College for Women. PHOTO: JALAL QURESHI/EXPRESS The Intermediate First Annual (Theory) Examinations 2025, conducted under the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Rawalpindi, have concluded successfully. Chairman of the Board, Muhammad Adnan Khan, expressed complete satisfaction and joy over the peaceful, transparent, and merit-based conduct of the examinations. He credited the success to the vision of Punjab chief minister, the zero-tolerance policy of the Punjab government, and the guidance of provincial minister for education. The Chairman extended heartfelt appreciation to Controller of Examinations, Board Secretary, board officers and staff, Rawalpindi Commissioner, Deputy Commissioners of all districts, Director Colleges Rawalpindi Division, Deputy Directors Colleges of Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, and Rawalpindi, Chief Executive Officers (Education) of all districts, mobile inspectors, squad chairpersons, and the entire examination staff. He praised their dedication and professionalism, which ensured the fair and transparent conduct of the exams.
Express Tribune
16-06-2025
- Express Tribune
Heat drives surge in demand for net curtains
A labourer carries brightly coloured rolls of net curtains on his shoulders for sale on City Saddar Road, aiming to attract customers seeking relief from the scorching heat and protection against insects. PHOTO: AGHA MAHROZ /EXPRESS Amid the ongoing intense summer heat, the demand and prices of colourful net curtains have soared in markets across the city. Residents and shopkeepers are increasingly buying these curtains to cover doors, windows, balconies, courtyards, and lawns, seeking relief from the heat and protection from insects, despite a noticeable hike in prices. Street vendors have also started selling these net curtains. The curtains are available in various colours, including white, blue, red, green, orange, and black. The most basic variety is being sold at Rs450 per meter, while slightly better quality costs Rs650. Good quality curtains are priced at Rs850 per meter, and the highest-quality colourful net curtains are available for Rs1,050 per meter. Stitching charges, depending on the size of windows or doors, are around Rs350. Apart from residential use, many people who keep livestock or pets have begun installing these curtains in animal enclosures to prevent mosquitoes and insects from entering. A large number of people are installing these beautiful net curtains on their balconies. They are also being used to cover water tanks on rooftops to prevent colour fading. These curtains are also in high demand in government and private hospitals, clinics, and dengue wards to prevent mosquito breeding. With the summer heat peaking in May, June, and July, demand for these curtains is expected to remain high. Large shops also have a high demand for the installation of these curtains. A resident, Agha Qizilbash, noted that the prices of net curtains have increased by 30 to 35 per cent compared to last year. However, their installation can significantly reduce the intensity of direct sunlight and provide shade, which is beneficial for livestock and birds. Shahbaz Ali, a street vendor, shared that last year the prices ranged from Rs300 to Rs800 per meter, depending on quality. This year, prices have risen significantly, now starting at Rs450 and going up to Rs1,050 per meter. He attributed the surge to the prolonged heatwave, rising temperatures, and the burden of increased taxes and duties on imported materials. Ali starts selling curtains from the end of May, and it's currently at their peak. After June, the sales of net curtains typically decline.
