The prices of vegetables and fruits remained high in the Sunday bazaars of the city ahead of Ramadan. The sale of unhygienic meat remained high in the bazaars and the DCO suspended District Officer (DO) Livestock for the reason. Consumers also complained about tampering in measures and weights in certain Sunday bazaars. The prices of some products decrease while the majority of vegetables and fruits increased prices.
The establishment of Ramadan bazaars was unable to provide relief to consumers, who had no option but to buy products at higher rates. Consumers complained that Ramadan Bazaars were another attempt by the Punjab government to fool the people. Standing rainwater also remained a problem in some bazaars and customers faced difficulties in shopping. Consumers said that the provincial government has not provided any relief to people through the establishment of Ramadan and Sasta bazaars and were just pulling off a political stunt to grab the attention of voters.
To support this allegation, they said sugar was available for Rs 68 per kg in Ramadan bazaars while it is sold for Rs 55 per kg in Utility Stores “I would prefer Utility Stores over Ramzan Bazaars,” said consumer Abdul Hayee. The consumers also said that the government was not taking action against profiteers, who have increased the prices ahead of Ramadan. The sale of unhygienic meat continued in the majority of Sunday bazaars.
The District Coordination Officer (DCO) Ahad Cheema suspended DO Livestock Dr Ramzan for negligence and failing to control the sale of sub-standard meat. At Shadman bazaar, consumers complained the DCO about for the lower weight of 10-Kg flour bag of Lasani Flour Mills Sheikhupura. The DCO checked the weight and found 150-300 grams less in all bags. The DCO ordered to arrest the bag sellers. However, no action was taken against the flour mill.
