BATTAGRAM: Traders association of Battagram rejected the official price list here on Monday, alleging that its recommendations were not incorporated by the district administration while fixing the prices of food items.

Speaking at a news conference here, the association’s president Abdul Ghaffar said the traders had demanded of the district price review committee headed by the deputy commissioner to fix the price list on the pattern of other districts, including Haripur, Abbottabad and Mansehra, but their suggestion was not heeded.

The association’s general secretary Sher Khan and other office-bearers were also present at the presser.

Mr Ghaffar said the traders also didn’t participate in the district price review committee meeting in protest.

He pointed out that pulse (chana) was selling in other districts at Rs120 per kg, but the Battagram administration had bound the traders to sell the commodity at Rs115 per kg which was not acceptable.

He maintained that rates of other foodstuffs were also lower than other districts.

He demanded of the district administration to accept their demand otherwise they won’t follow the price list.

Sher Khan alleged that the district administration didn’t consult the traders association before issuing the price list.

Meanwhile, the people have taken exception to the protest by the traders against the price list, saying that shopkeepers should not be allowed to fleece the consumers in the holy month.

Khan Mohammad, a resident of Ajmera village, told this scribe that the district administration should keep an eye on the profiteers.

PAS LAUNCHED: Police access service was launched in the police lines here on Monday.

Under the service, people can lodge complaints through an SMS service, and have their complaints redressed within 24 hours.

District nazim Attaur Rehman Khan, DPO Syed Rasool Shah, police officers and elders were present on the occasion.

Mr Rehman said the provincial government had ended political meddling in the police department, which was now a role model for other provinces to follow.

DPO Rasool Shah highlighted the PAS benefits and said only an SMS would connect a complainant with him.

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2017