This is what we in Pakistan call a "Bakkar Mandi" (goat market), where you go to buy sacrificial animals for Eid ul Azha. Many countries have such markets around the time of Hajj's end- but why is this picture something you'd find only in Pakistan, or perhaps Afghanistan and Nigeria at most? ]]>

This is what we in Pakistan call a “Bakkar Mandi” (goat market), where you go to buy sacrificial animals for Eid ul Azha. Many countries have such markets around the time of Hajj’s end- but why is this picture something you’d find only in Pakistan, or perhaps Afghanistan and Nigeria at most?

Because no other Muslim countries showcase the disparity of income as easily as we do. In the foreground is a man who must have traveled many hours to Lahore with his flock to sell his goats/ cows for sacrifice. Even if they overprice their stock, the profits are nothing to go and apply for a new bank account for.

But look closely in the back. Yes my friends, that is a Mercedes Benz S430 from the previous generation- in a country where luxury cars typically cost 2-3 times as much as in the European and American markets because of our tax and customs/ import duty laws.

Nothing like going shopping for your bakra (goat) in your V8 Benz- especially considering this market is not paved.

If this is your Benz and you’re a a friend of mine, apologies- it’s really not personal. It’s a society thing I’m just observing.

Eid Mubarik, all my friends.

(This photo is unedited – I only added text.)

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