KARACHI, Dec 14: Although a large number of bachat bazaars (fair price open markets) were organized this year in Ramzan, these bazaars have failed to provide any considerable relief to the people.

Though bachat bazaars have been established in nearly all urban union councils of Karachi, more public can be witnessed at stalls and mini-bazaars set up in regular shopping areas as compared to bachat bazaars.

Nearly all the bachat bazaars are showing losses. A few became controversial and had to be closed down due to lack of business.

Even the two main bachat bazaars of Karachi — one organized by the rangers in Annu Bhai park in Liaquatabad Town and the other in Korangi No 5 organised directly by manufacturers — could not yield better results.

One bachat bazar near Ghalib library close to Annu Bhai Park was abandoned as no one was interested in it because a similar bazaar was established by the rangers. Another bazar set in Jahangir park also came to limelight and Saddar town had to close it because of controversial land use.

Entry fee at the bachat bazaars is usually charged at Rs5 per person per trip whereas the bazar at Aero club is the only where there is no entry fee.

This bazar also suffered owing to a conflict between town administration and the organisers and remained closed throughout Ramazan.

Similarly, a bachat bazar in famous T Ground in Gulberg Town has been rented out by the union council but the shopkeepers have not been able to recover even the rent of stalls and tables.

Another bazaar at Aisha Manzil is now no more attractive for customers because of competitive prices and variety in the nearby shopping centres.

Shopkeepers attribute it to low purchasing power of customers. However, shops and stalls selling items of daily use on discounted rates in main markets are doing better business as compared to bachat bazaars .

Prices vary in Hydery, Tariq road, Clifton or Karimabad. Interestingly a majority of those who have organised bachat bazar this Ramzan are new-commers in the field and are totally inexperienced.

Though organisers of bachat bazaars have met losses, but towns and union councils have benefited a lot after hiring these bazaars.

According to Sindh Local Government ordinance (SLGO) 2001 it is the responsibility of district government to organise these festivals and weekly bazaars.

According to unofficial reports about 70 Eid bazaars will be organised throughout the city.—PPI