Honesty is the best policy

His father started a business of cosmetics. Around three years back, Naeem took over the business, allowing his father to retire and enjoy his old age with his weak limbs. In answer to my enquiry about his work, Naeem told me that vendors who sell counterfeits of popular brands are making the best kind of money, in terms of quantity. On further investigation, he explained with an example. “The retail price of, say for example, a lipstick is Rs.1000. The company keeps a margin of 20% profit, so the cost price of the product is Rs.800. Meanwhile most of the shopkeepers sell the same thing for Rs.600.” This is proof enough that they sell fake items. Naeem further added that in spite of that fact, he was very happy with his honest earnings, owing to the fact that the products sold at his shop are 100% genuine and delivered by the respective companies themselves. Naeem also informed me that his customers buy from him on a regular basis and are very satisfied with the products.

It is about time that the concerned departments of the government should look into this matter, which has been at hand since ages. Vendors selling copy of branded cosmetics, not only prevent honest workers from benefitting as much as possible, but also release harmful chemicals in the society. Every now and then, one hears about a severe allergic reaction due to henna or other cosmetics. Meena Bazar is just one market place I have surveyed. There are countless other shops out there that need monitoring. Let us mend these cracks on our city that drain the citizens’ trust and well being. Let us free our city of frauds and keep it filled with honest businessmen who sale genuine, good quality items. Love Karachi, Build Karachi, Own Karachi. Because I am Karachi.