July 30, 2007	Monday	Rajab 14, 1428

LAHORE, July 29: Qaumi Tajir Ittehad (QTI) and retailers association have said that they will follow retail rates set by the City District Government Lahore only if wholesalers do the same.

A meeting held here on Sunday with President Rao Muhammad Akram Khan in the chair, deflected the blame of price hike on millers and wholesalers who, the participants said, increased prices at will, leaving retailers with no choice but to follow suit.

Millers and wholesalers of Akbari Mandi must be made to follow

Officially-declared rates, Mr Rao said while talking to Dawn.

“Whenever the prices increase, the government calls the millers, who themselves are responsible for the hike, and seeks steps to lower the rates. They, naturally, pass the buck on retailers and the officials start arresting small shopkeepers.”

He said this strategy did not work and would never succeed in future as well because reasons for the price hike remained untouched.

Even now, the City District Government Lahore had fixed rates of pulses except the most essential items like ghee, flour and red chilli.

“These are the most-consumed items during Ramazan but they have escaped official eye because big fish are involved in the business,” Rao said.

Sunday Bazaars: Show-cause notices have been issued to the Samanabad town municipal officer (TMO) and Data Ganj Bukhsh town officer revenue (TOR) for their absence from duty and poor arrangements of delivery of service at Sunday Bazaars, according to APP.

District Coordination Officer (DCO) M Ijaz issued the notices during a surprise visit to Sunday Bazaars in various parts of the city.

The DCO directed the respective officials to remain present at Sunday Bazaars and ensure supply of quality goods at controlled rates and better arrangements for visitors.

He also got arrested three shopkeepers for selling poultry meat on higher rates than the fixed price of Rs86 per kg.

He also got registered cases against them at the respective police stations.