RAWALPINDI, Oct 6: President Pervez Musharraf and Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz have asked the federal and provincial governments to enforce a check on price hike. They have issued these directives after receiving complaints about the sudden rise in the prices of essential commodities in Ramazan.

The president in a separate message on Thursday said: “The common man should be able to purchase the essential food items at reasonable rates; therefore, it is important to ensure that rates fixed by market committees are maintained during Ramazan.”

He appealed to traders to shun hoarding and profiteering in accordance with the holy month’s teachings and spirit of justice, unity and fair play.

PRIME MINISTER: Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz has asked the four provincial chief ministers to ensure provision of all basic items at low rates during Ramazan.

In a letter to the chief ministers, the prime minister has directed them to make arrangements for setting up “sastay bazaars” in big cities of the provinces and to counter hoarders.

According to PM House sources, the prime minister has issued these directives in response to letters he received from people complaining about price hike, hoarding and profiteering.

Prime Minister Aziz has also directed the chief ministers to visit bazaars and major markets to ensure the provision of daily use items at affordable rates.—Agencies

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