Pakistan is witnessing a sharp rise in second-hand clothing imports as demand for affordable clothes continues to grow. The surge reflects a deepening poverty crisis affecting millions across the country.
According to the latest report by the World Bank, nearly 45% of Pakistan’s population now lives below the poverty line. The report also states that the global poverty threshold has been increased from $3.65 to $4.20 per day. This change has pushed the poverty rate for lower-middle-income groups in Pakistan to 44.7%.
As poverty worsens, second-hand clothing markets—commonly known as landa bazaars—are becoming increasingly important. These markets offer cheaper alternatives to new clothes and have become a lifeline for low- and middle-income families.
Muhammad Usman Farooqui, General Secretary of the Pakistan Second-Hand Clothing Merchants Association, said the rise in imports is directly linked to the growing economic hardship. He urged the government to reduce taxes on second-hand clothing to make them more affordable.
Currently, used clothing imports in Pakistan face several taxes and duties. These include a 10% regulatory duty, 5% customs duty, and multiple income and sales taxes. Farooqui pointed out that these high taxes are limiting access to basic clothing for the country’s most vulnerable people.
Most second-hand clothes are imported from the USA, Europe, Japan, China, and Canada. Only 10% to 20% of these imports are sold locally, while the rest are sorted and re-exported.
Farooqui stressed that reducing import duties could help lower costs for consumers. With poverty levels rising, access to affordable clothing is more important than ever in Pakistan.
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