Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized the annual fixing of prices of food items for Ramadan by the Commissioner of Karachi, terming it “mere paperwork” and demanding who will enforce the official rates despite widespread overcharging by shopkeepers.
In a joint statement on Tuesday, PDP Karachi President Abdul Hakeem Quaid, along with Town Presidents Qayyum Shaaban, Umair Siddiqui, Ijaz Rao, Amjad Baloch, and Aslam Malik, stressed that the annual tradition of announcing official prices has practically failed, as these lists are rarely implemented across the city.
The party leaders pointed out that citizens are often forced to pay exorbitant prices demanded by retailers. Citing complaints received on the Pasban Helpline as evidence, they said that although official price lists are sometimes displayed in markets, items are consistently sold at much higher rates.
Questions have been raised about the performance of price control magistrates, with the PDP stating that daily price announcements from the Commissioner’s office are useless without strict enforcement.
Mr. Quaid added that this daily administrative exercise will remain ineffective until the administration ensures strict monitoring, effective checks and balances, and prompt and clear action against violators. He declared that illegal profiteering and hoarding during the holy month “will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
Demanding relief for the public, the political figures called for 100 percent implementation of official price lists in all bazaars and markets. They urged for the mobilization of price control magistrates and holding them accountable for their responsibilities.
The party suggested punitive measures, including heavy fines and sealing of shops, against non-compliant retailers. They also stressed the need for an effective system to facilitate public complaint registration and prompt redressal.
The statement concluded by demanding that the government and district administration fulfill their constitutional and moral responsibility to relieve the public from the “curse of inflation” during Ramadan.