UMERKOT, Nov 27 A sudden rise in the purchase and prices of Sindhi cap was witnessed here on Friday after people decided to observe Sindhi cap day on December 6.

One week ago, an anchorperson of a private TV channel had criticised President Asif Ali Zardari for wearing Sindhi cap during foreign tours.

Later a message, containing the text “in order to repel propaganda by Sindhi-phobic media, observe Sindhi cap day on December 6” came into mass circulation in the district.

A number of cell phone users told this correspondent that they had received more than 30 such SMS from different districts of Sindh.

After circulation of this SMS, youths and activists of nationalist parties as well as elders started buying the caps.

A cap seller, Shankar Oad, said that he was surprised by sudden rise in the purchase of the cap which encouraged him to order fresh stocks from Saeedabad and Hala.

He said that the Sindhi cap which was available for Rs300 to 800 was now being sold at Rs500 to 1500. He said that Sindhi cap prepared in Thar was mostly exported to India and Afghanistan.

An employee of Karachi's Governor House said that when ambassadors or diplomats visit Governor House or Chief Minister House, they were given the gifts of Sindhi cap and Ajrak. He said that it was part of their culture to present such gifts to guests.

Followers of veteran politician Pir Pagaro did not wear Sindhi cap since 1987's ethnic riots, Hafiz Mehranvi said. He said that at that time Pir Pagaro, to save the lives of his followers, advised them to wear white cap or turban and avoid wearing Sindhi cap.