PESHAWAR: The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has finalised model by-laws for establishment and regulation of fruit and vegetable markets in the private sector with an aim to provide fresh products to the consumers at cheaper rates by creating competition in the sector.

The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mahmood Khan on Monday.

The provincial cabinet, in its previous meeting, had approved the proposed by-laws with certain recommendations to be incorporated to further fine tune them, according to a statement.

Briefing the participants about the need and importance of such markets, the officials said the sole purpose behind the initiative was to ensure provision of hygienic and quality fruits and vegetables to the consumers through private sector.

These markets would be established at a distance of two kilometres, and they would sell items under a government-approved daily price list. The violators of the rate list would be liable to punishment as per the by-laws.

Adulteration won’t be allowed and there would be a proper system for early disposal of waste generated within these markets to ensure cleanliness.

Basic amenities, including car parking, clean drinking water, washrooms etc would be made available in these markets to facilitate the general public.

Published in Dawn, April 13th, 2021