November 26, 2003	Wednesday	Shawwal 1, 1424

Please Visit our Sponsor (Ads open in separate window).

ISLAMABAD, Nov 25: The residents of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad faced a record price hike during the holy month of Ramazan this year despite tall claims of the government regarding having taken steps to control prices of daily commodities.

According to an official of the Capital Development Authority (CDA), the recent increase in the prices of consumer items was the highest compared to what was observed during the previous Ramazans.

The officials of the local administrations of Rawalpindi and Islamabad though remained active throughout the month in raiding various bazaars and markets to check prices of daily-used items, all their efforts seemed to be fruitless.

Some shopkeepers alleged that the police and other officials of the administration misused their powers and spared a large number of hoarders and black marketers after receiving bribe from them. They alleged that the officials only took action against small traders and shopkeepers and allowed the black marketers to continue their job.

There was no respite for the common people in weekly bazaars where they also found prices of vegetables and other commodities sky-rocketing.

In the last week of the holy month, a sharp increase in the prices of tomato and onion was registered. People had to buy tomato for Rs95 per kg and onion for Rs100 per 5kg. The cause of the sudden increase in the price of onion is stated to be hoarding of the commodities for Eidul Azha.

On the other hand, there were daily reports regarding raids on various markets, imposition of fine and arrests of profiteers throughout the month.

According to the Islamabad district administration, about 500 profiteers were fined during the month of Ramazan and over Rs150,000 were recovered from them.