The visitors are being fleeced with high prices particularly of edibles at public parks in twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi as a large number of visitors have complained that shopkeepers at Rawal Dam, Shakerpariyan, Pirsuhawa, Ayub Park and Jinnah Park are not following the prescribed rate lists.
The most visitors has complained to the authority that the shopkeepers at that places are over charging from them and set their own prices lists and fleecing to the public.
They seemed perturbed over sky-rocketing prices of edible items being sold at stalls of these parks while authorities concerned looked least interested to address the problem.
The rates of chips, biscuits, burgers, soft drinks, mineral water and other items were almost double as compared to open markets.
A visitor Ali Ahmad told APP that there was no check on the prices of food and other items available in the tourist resorts including Rawal Dam, Ayub Park, Nawaz Sharif Park, Jinnah Park and other parks.
While, the families visiting the parks of the city complained that over charging, sale of substandard food items and non-availability of quality products are the main cause of concern.
The vendors take full benefit of the situation as the concerned authorities failed to control the quality and rates of the commodities.
The people demanded of the authorities to take action against the violators and those fleecing the tourists.
“The huts owners are charging Rs. 25, just for a cup of tea, and other items are too expensive there,” visitors claimed. They said that it was unfair that authorities had allowed these huts owners to fleece the visitors on their own, adding that they were charging double prices.
A hut owner said that they are paying high rents for huts in the park, so they are charging the prices to avoid losses.
The visitors also complained of the high entry fee at public Parks with enhanced parking fee being charged from visitors.
When contacted to concern authority, an official told that the parks management regularly checks the quality and prices of edible items being sold in vicinity of city public parks.
He said the administration take stern action against those shopkeepers who found involved in selling substandard items or over charging.
Official further said that the huts’ owners fleecing the visitors, is not their responsibility to stop them, but to maintain beauty of the park.
He said that the entry charges are nominal and it is essential for park’s maintenance.
