November 8, 2002	Friday	Ramazan 2,1423

KARACHI, Nov 7: Traders in Karachi have announced a concessionary package for Ramazan by reducing the prices of food items between 30 and 40 per cent.

A decision in this regard was taken at a meeting, presided over by city Nazim Naimatullah Khan and attended by the office-bearers of various trader associations, retailers, wholesalers, DCO Shafiqur Rehman Paracha, enterprise EDO Shah Mahmood Hussain Syed and other officials.

The representatives of traders assured the Nazim that they would voluntarily keep the prices under control and would not allow overcharging.

They said shopkeepers would display prices of food and other essential items. They added that food items, which were in greater demand during Ramazan, would be given special attention.

The meeting was informed that, compared to last year, atta prices had been reduced by 50 paisa per kilogram while the prices of pulses had been brought down by 20 per cent, Baisan 36-38 per cent, golden tea 20 per cent and black pepper 35 per cent.

The meeting was also told that some 125 bachat bazaars were being set up in the city where people could buy food items of good quality on concessionary rates.

Speaking at the meeting, the Nazim warned strict action against traders for overcharging buyers. He said town Nazimeen, with inspectors, would carry out raids in their areas and take action against violators.

He stated that trade licence staff had been directed not to recover trade licence fee during Ramazan. The fee would be recovered after Ramazan, he added.

The Nazim called for a strong linkage between the city government and traders, saying that such meetings would be held even after Ramazan to keep prices under control.

Briefing the meeting, the DCO said the city government had made all arrangements for price control. However, he said, it would be more better if traders and shopkeepers voluntarily reduced the prices and provided relief to people.—APP