MINGORA, Nov 7: People have started thronging the markets for Eid shopping despite facing financial constrains. Visits by a large number of people, mostly women and children, to the markets are also leading to traffic problems in the city.

Shopkeepers, taking advantage of the situation, have raised the prices of goods usually bought for Eid.

The prices of vegetables, meat, flour, fruits and other items of daily use have also been raised.

A large number of people are seen buying woollen and other warm clothes at the 'China markets'.

Police have taken some shopkeepers into custody on charges of profiteering but the action has failed to keep the prices under control.

The rates of vegetables, meat, flour, fruits and other items of daily use are also very high.

Grocers have occupied the footpaths and roads and are charging prices higher than those fixed by the government. They are also not provided the price lists on time.

The tandoor owners have reduced the weight of bread after increase in the price of flour and gas. Some of them have stopped selling normal bread and they are selling large bread for Rs4.

Butchers are selling boneless meat at Rs100 per kg and mixed at Rs80 per kg.

The authorities have failed to solve the problems of price-hike and traffic congestion.

In the past duties were assigned to magistrates in this regard but now the system has been changed.

A local nazim said the elected representatives should be empowered to take action in this regard.