Pakistan Realog

LAHORE: Most of the city’s shopkeepers, especially major sweetmeat and bakery chains, have increased the prices of various edibles, including samosas, in reaction to the City District Government of Lahore’s (CDGL) action against profiteers ahead of Ramzan.

A special price control magistrate appointed by the CDGL, Rai Imtiaz, fined a local sweetmeat chain on August 13 for selling samosas at Rs 13/each, instead of the Rs 6/piece announced by the government for the holy month. In reaction, the shop owners have introduced a fresh rate list, which displays the price of samosas at Rs 14, one rupee more than their previously displayed price.

Customers told Daily Times the chain’s owners had also increased the prices of other edibles, including milk products that are a staple during Ramzan. One such customer, Arslan Khan, said he had been pleased to learn that the CDGL had asked all the major stores to comply with its unified rates during Ramzan and had been shocked by the subsequent increase in prices.

Open mockery: “The stuff they sell is already more expensive than the smaller shops present throughout the city. I had thought the government’s move would allow the common man to enjoy their wares during Ramzan,” he said, adding the shopkeepers’ move was an open mockery of the government’s claim to control prices.

Another customer from Gowalmandi, Muhammad Aslam, said if a prominent food chain could openly defy the government’s rules, one could easily understand the problems in dealing with shops located in the densely populated areas of the city. He said other prominent food sellers, including those claiming to sell sweets made of desi ghee, were also exploiting people by increasing the prices of basic commodities during Ramzan. He alleged that profiteers were exploiting the situation by bribing some of the CDGL officials, who were ignoring the illegal activities.

No defiance: However, Lahore District Coordination Officer Sajjad Ahmad Bhutta told Daily Times the government would not spare the offending chain for defying the law. He said he would order immediate action against all of its branches. He said the CDGL has appointed 52 magistrates throughout the city to take stern action against any violators. He said that there was no corruption within the government officials, adding his office was prepared to take action against any official found involved in any kind of corruption.

Bhutta also said that all magistrates were bound to submit reports to the DCO office on any action they had taken against hoarders, profiteers and other offenders on a daily basis. He said such actions would be publicised to keep the masses informed. He said, on Friday alone, special magistrates had registered 204 first information reports and arrested 201 shopkeepers for selling commodities at prices higher than those specified by the government.

Source: The News

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