GILGIT, Aug 7: The administration officials on Sunday raided a number of Utility Stores outlets in Gilgit-Baltistan for selling expired and substandard commodities.

According to officials, the municipal magistrate in Gilgit raided a utility store and confiscated stock of tea which was expired and not up to health standards. Besides, the outlet was selling commodities on rates higher than the officially set prices.

The people complained that there was no check from the administration on the utility stores where the subsidised items were being sold at rates of the open market.

On the other hand, despite tall claims of the administration to keep a check on prices of daily use items during Ramazan, the prices keep on soaring, including at the utility stores.

Though the district administration of Gilgit divided the city in several zones and deputed magistrates to monitor the prices in the markets, but the consumers continued to be fleeced by the shopkeepers.

“We have fined large number of shopkeepers for overcharging”, said a magistrate, while complaining that the public was not cooperating in implementing the price mechanism.

The magistrate said a main control room had been set up where officials remained on duty round the clock for quicker response to public complaints.

However, residents alleged the administration officials were hands in glove with the profiteers, who are alleged to have also been selling substandard items.

Consumers alleged the butchers had separate rates for administration officials and policemen and for common masses. It has also been observed that most of the shops didn't have pricelists.

However, there are reports that in Gahkuch, Shigar, Astor and Skardu markets a few shopkeepers have been fined and arrested.

BAN LIFTED:

Minister for Law, Parliamentary Affairs, Planning and Development and Water and Power, Wazir Shakil, has said the ban on recruitment in government departments has been lifted in order to fill in thousands of vacant positions.Talking to Dawn on Sunday he said the government was making all out efforts to provide employment to youth. He said the government was involving private sector to create economic opportunities for the people.

The minister said two per cent special job quota had been specified for special persons in the government departments.

He said heads of all departments had been directed to advertise the vacant positions for wider participation in test and interviews so as the most eligible candidate could get employment.

BOOSTING TOURISM:

The GB government is formulating a policy to help boost tourism sector to generate employment and strengthen the region's economy.

This was stated by chief minister's advisor on tourism, sports and youth affairs, Sadia Danish while talking to this correspondent.

She said exploration of tourism potential of GB was top priority of the present government, adding, a number of projects had been launched for promoting tourism.