Lahorites observed their first fast of the holy month of Ramadan on Thursday, amid hot and humid weather along with increased unscheduled power cuts contrary to the claims of Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO).
The faithful, in high spirits, made special arrangements for Sehri and Iftari in order to get the blessings of Allah almighty during a critical time for the whole nation.
At Sehri time in homes across the city, people ate their breakfasts before dawn to prepare for the fast ahead, which ended after 7:28 pm. Reportedly, special arrangements were made at Iftar in many homes, shops and offices.
A significant rush was also witnessed in the city’s mosques, where tens of thousands of believers flocked to offer their five daily prayers and Taraweeh with religious fervor. The late arrival and early departure of public officials in various departments was also reported as being due to the first Ramadan.
Despite their claims to the contrary, LESCO continued with unscheduled load shedding in the city during Taraweeh and Iftar, causing many problems in the muggy weather conditions. Residents of various localities did receive power at the time of Sehri, however.
On the first day of Ramadan heavy traffic clogged all the major city roads, indicating a new wave of life in the residents who became very distressed due to undisciplined traffic. People from all walks of life also expressed their concerns about the price hike in kitchen commodities, as they are finding it difficult to manage Sehri and Iftari with the traditional zeal.
They said that prices of many commodities in high demand during Ramadan have increased to almost double as compared to the previous months. Hoarding by some unscrupulous traders is cited as the main reason for this, and the government seems to be failing to control those involved in this heinous crime, they added.
Adil Khan, a hawker at Shadman Colony Ramadan Bazaar, said ongoing monsoon rains, increased production costs and the heavy cost of transporting items out to the market had affected the prices of food items like fruits and vegetables.
The influx of shoppers to Ramadan bazaars was also less than expected due to this increase in the prices of various items. Although the City District Government Lahore (CDGL) has established 21 Sasta Ramadan Bazaars in the city, where the quality and the prices of edibles are relatively fair, the less than expected shopping rush surprised local vendors who were expecting high sales on the first day of Ramadan.
District Coordination Officer (DCO) Lahore Naseem Sadiq, along with officers of CDGL, paid a surprise visit to Islampura Sasta Ramzan Bazaar on Thursday morning. Sadiq checked the quality and rates of various edible items. He showed his satisfaction and directed all concerned officials to remain vigilant in the Ramadan Bazaars. He also held discussions with visitors to the market and asked them about the quality and price of items they had purchased from there. Sadiq also checked the quality of meat being sold, and asked butchers to sell standardized meat to the citizens. “No negligence will be tolerated in this regard and if any official shows otherwise, he will be taken to task,” he added.
