This French brand's paper bag costs more than labourer’s wage in Pakistan

The low minimum wages in Pakistan stand in stark contrast to the extravagant price tags on luxury items like a Rs34,800 ($125) paper bag from a French outlet, ‘Hermès’.

The outrageous price of the paper bag, has understandably shocked many, for Pakistanis, encountering such inflated prices for foreign goods is often met with a familiar wave of mental calculations, gauging affordability against our own currency, which reminds us of the challenges we face in achieving fundamental financial stability.

The 7.5-inch paperweight from the same brand, priced at a staggering Rs822,000 ($2,950). The astronomical price of a Hermes paper bag exceeds the annual basic salary of a college lecturer in Pakistan.

Popular for its extravagant sandals, handbags, and shoes, Hermès consistently pushes the boundaries of luxury with its accessories, often costing a fortune. A prime example is the Hermès Kelly Rose Gold bag, which holds the distinction of being the world's third most expensive handbag, valued at a hefty Rs557.4 million ($20 million).

Helmed by one of the world's wealthiest families, Hermès enjoys a cult-like following within the luxury world, where buyers have to wait for these deluxe handbags as long as 3-4 years after pre-ordering. Bloomberg estimates the family's collective wealth at over $151 billion.

Consider the Mouawad handbag, once the world's second most expensive, priced at a staggering 3.8 million Pakistani rupees; nearly matches the cost of a 2,000-square-foot house in Karachi's Defence area, which ranges from 200 million to 320 million rupees.