KARACHI, April 7: As hot weather has set in the city with hot and dry winds blowing across the city for the past few days, sale of soft drinks, including substandard drinks and ice, has picked up.

Doctors have advised people, especially children, having complaint of dehydration to increase the intake of fluids. This also protects against sunstrok..

Cold drinks, sherbet, fruit juices and ice-creams are in great demand.

Substandard brands of sherbets and gandagola (a preparation made of ice and sugar) are also being sold. Doctors say their consumption is causing various diseases. They say the sale of substandard items should be banned.

The sale of falooda has also picked up in the city.

Parents are concerned about the sale of substandard items outside schools. They urged the authorities concerned to check the sale of substandard beverages. Thursday was the hottest day of the season when mercury suddenly shot up to 40.6 degrees Celsius.

The temperature has slightly fallen after that day. But heat is still there which is causing sunstroke accompanied by stomach upset.

A visit to various city areas showed that fruit juices were available for Rs15-Rs30 and a glass of banana juice for Rs15 and orange and grape fruit juice for Rs20-Rs25.

Apple juice was available for Rs25-Rs30. Sugarcane juice can be had for Rs5 a glass.

Sattoo and Thadal, a local variety of sherbet, are also being sold in Saddar. Sattoo is comparatively cheaper and is available for Rs5 a glass.