KARACHI, March 20: The city government has failed to control milk prices despite enforcing Section 144 twice and running a vigorous campaign, which included arrest of the milk sellers charging more than the fixed rates. Due to its failure, retailers finally raised the milk price to Rs28 per litre from Saturday. During the campaign against overcharging, many milk sellers were arrested and scores of others were warned against resorting to profiteering in violation of the Section 144. Inspections and raids were carried out in seven towns which included North Nazimabad, Gulberg, Lyari, Malir, Liaquatabad and Saddar.

No action was taken against the milk sellers in the 11 remaining towns, including Gulshan, Gadap, Bin Qasim, Landhi, Korangi, Shah Faisal, New Karachi, Baldia, Keamari and Site.

Even during the campaign, most of the retailers continued to charge higher rates than the officially notified price, i.e. Rs22 per litre. An order in this regard had been issued by City Nazim Niamatullah Khan on Feb 20.

The nazim had also authorized town nazims, as well as officers and officials of the city government, to check the price-hike. However, lack of interest on the part of the authorized officers led to failure of the exercise. —PPI