ISLAMABAD: Before the start of Ramazan, prices of food items, particularly fruits, increased by threefold in the federal capital. In response, the district administration sent teams to various parts of the city on Sunday to inspect the situation.

The teams fined those who were overcharging and ordered the arrest of more than a dozen individuals.

In comparison to the past few days, the prices of edible items have increased manifold.

The price of 5kg potatoes had increased to Rs350 from Rs250 while green chillis were being sold for Rs300 per kg from Rs100 per kg. Similarly, 5kg onions, which were being sold for Rs1,000 a week ago, were now available for Rs1,600.

Similarly, the price of guava had shot up from Rs100 to Rs350 in the I-11 fruit and vegetable market while the prices for other fruits like melons and bananas had also increased.

The district administration officials, meanwhile, claimed on Sunday that on the directions of the deputy commissioner, teams visited different areas of the city to control prices.

They said the assistant commissioner (AC) industrial area visited the H-9 Sunday Bazaar, inspected the price lists and imposed fine of Rs20,000 for overpricing.

Moreover, AC City visited the Sunday Bazaar in G-6 sector and ordered the arrest of nine profiteers for violating the rate list. He also directed the shopkeepers to display the rate list.

The assistant commissioner Nilor also visited areas under his jurisdiction and ordered the arrest of five traders, whereas assistant commissioner Rural visited Sunday Bazaar in Pakistan Town and imposed a fine of Rs20,000 on profiteers.

As per the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration, the operation against price hike will continue on a daily basis.

Published in Dawn, March 11th, 2024