RAWALPINDI: After rates of pulses were increased between Rs25 to Rs60 per kg in the wholesale markets of the garrison city, shopkeepers have asked the district administration to either raise the official price or stop imposing fines on them.

According to shopkeepers, the rate of Daal Channa had further increased to Rs380 per kg, price of chickpeas (Channa) had risen to Rs330 per kg, Daal Mash was available at Rs620 while the cost of other pulses was hiked by another Rs25 per kg.

Rawalpindi Karyana Merchant Association Chairman Saleem Pervaiz Butt toldDawnthat there was a dire need to increase the official prices of pulses as the government had fixed the rate for Daal Channa at Rs305, Daal Mash at Rs550 and chickpeas (Channa) at Rs308.

“It is difficult for the shopkeepers to sell pulses at low rates, therefore the official price list should be revised. Traders are facing financial crisis whereas the district administration was imposing heavy fines on them for not selling pulses at official rates,” he said.

Mr Butt said the Karyana Association of Punjab was considering contacting the Lahore High Court over the issue, adding that the district administration had failed to control the wholesale market and was just imposing fines on retailers.

On the other hand, Commissioner Aamir Khattak said price control magistrates should ensure that food items were sold at government rates.

“People will get edibles at reasonable prices as per the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz,” he said.

He expressed these views while addressing the Divisional Coordination Committee meeting, which was attended by deputy commissioners of Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum and Murree through video link.

The performance of the price control magistrates was reviewed in the meeting while a briefing was given to the commissioner on the fine imposed on violators of price lists.

Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner Aamir Khattak said the price control magistrates should show their performance in the field and ensure the sale of food items at official rates.

“Strict legal action should be taken against those who violate price lists. Officials should visit all markets and the official price lists should be installed at prominent places so that people are aware of the price of pulses, meat and rice,” he added.

Mr Khattak said the official price list was being maintained in consultation with the traders’ association and it was the responsibility of the association to implement it.

He said prices of vegetables, fruits and chicken were being issued on a daily basis and all district administrations of Rawalpindi division would ensure that the same price list was followed.

Published in Dawn, July 22nd, 2024