BAJAUR/KHYBER: Butchers in Bajaur district on Wednesday went on a strike against the arrest of their colleagues and sealing of their shops by the district administration the other day for profiteering.

The all Bajaur butchers’ association had given call for the strike after the district administration arrested 12 butchers and sealed their shops for selling meat at rates higher than the official prices.

The meat shops remained closed in all the bazaars of the district.

Meanwhile, talking to reporters, leaders of the association condemned the district administration’s action. They pointed out that the arrested butchers had opposed the prices fixed by the district administration as these were ‘prevalent almost a year ago’. They said rates of cattle had increased manifold and they could not sell meat at the ‘old’ rates.

The asked the administration to release all the arrested butchers and de-seal their shops. They announced to continue their strike till the release of their colleagues.

Meanwhile, the Khyber administration arrested seven butchers and sealed their shops in Jamrud and Landi Kotal tehsils for profiteering the other day.

Officials in Jamrud said meat sellers were brazenly defying official rate despite several warnings by the officials of food department and the district administration.

They said five meat selling points were sealed in Wazir Dhand and Karkhano Phatak localities upon the complaints of consumers.

The officials said some meat sellers had become so bold that they resisted their arrest and scuffled with the police.

In Landi Kotal, the administration registered FIRs against two butchers and sent them to lock-ups after sealing their outlets.

Surprise raids were also conducted at the fruit and vegetable markets in Jamrud and Landi Kotal with warnings issued to some shopkeepers charging excessive rates against official rate list of fruits and vegetables.

Published in Dawn, March 30th, 2023