KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Supply and Prices Mohammad Ismail Rahu directed the city administration on Saturday to initiate strict action against those selling fresh milk at rates higher than the government-approved price as one of the dairy farmers’ associations announced a Rs10 per litre increase in the milk price.

Talking to Dawn, the minister said that the provincial government had taken notice of the unilateral increase in milk price and the city administration had been directed to take stern action against profiteers.

He said the provincial government had not approved any increase in the milk price and rejected the one-sided increase announced by a body of dairy farmers.

“I have directed the commissioner and price control magistrates to initiate actions against those selling milk at increased rates,” he said.

He said the city administration had been asked to hold meetings with all stakeholders, including representatives of the dairy farmers’ associations.

The minister said that the city administration would address concerns of the dairy farmers, but it would not tolerate hike in milk prices without provincial government’s approval.

Meanwhile, the Karachi commissioner denied reports of milk price hike in the city and said that a certain group of dairy farmers was working to get the milk rates increased.

He said legal action would be taken against milk retailers or dairy farmers who sold milk at rates higher than the price set by the government.

He said those selling milk at exorbitant rates would be jailed for six months with fines.

Published in Dawn, July 7th, 2019