GUJAR KHAN: With the most basic edibles getting expensive for the citizens, subsidised products of the utility stores are allegedly being sold at higher rates in the markets of Gujar Khan.

While citizens have been complaining about the illegal activity for the last a few months, Assistant Commissioner Zaibun Nissa recovered cartons of ghee bearing stamps of the utility stores from a local cash and carry.

Store owners have allegedly been purchasing the items from wholesale dealers and selling it at higher prices.

Meezan Cash and Carry was sealed by Ms Nissa and fines were imposed on other store owners after ghee cartons were recovered.

However, the owner of Meezan Cash and Carry Sheikh Ehtisham said he had purchased the items from wholesale distributors working in Gujar Khan and also had receipts of the purchase as evidence.

“Manpasand ghee of Utility Stores is being sold in most of the grocery shops in Gujar Khan,” he said.

Talking to Dawn, Arham Hassan, a resident of Gujar Khan, said illegal business for profits by the wholesale dealers and grocery store owners right under the nose of the authorities spoke volumes about the writ of the authorities.

“Strict action must be taken against the utility stores’ staff, wholesale dealers and grocery store owners involved in such irregularities,” he added.

Published in Dawn, February 21st, 2022