RAWALPINDI, Jan 26: People have resented the sale of substandard items and lack of hygiene at the weekly bazaars held at Committee Chowk and Haidree Road.

In the holy month of Ramzan, the district Nazim regularly inspected these bazaars and often took actions against those responsible for selling substandard items or extorting money by creating artificial price hike.

But, since the general elections, there is no one to check the ever deteriorating affairs at these bazaar from which more than half of the city’s population buy various items of daily use.

Amina Bibi, a biology teacher at a college, who was also shopping at the Sunday Bazaar said the substandard fruits and vegetables besides rice and tea were being sold at low prices, therefore, the poor people made a compromise and often bought those items.

A large number of consumers also complained about the lack of hygiene and cleanliness at the bazaar. One can see the ever rising dust besides small heaps of rotten vegetables and fruits at the bazaar.

“But the market administration seldom swept the ground or sprinkle water on the ground”, said Mohammad Iqbal.

A number of handcarts could be seen blocking the entrance to the bazaar. The policemen, on duty at these bazaar, were also found sitting on chairs and taking tea. They seldom observed those entering into or exiting from the bazaar.

Some consumers also complained about the absence of lady police guards, who were present at the entrances in Ramzan, but could not be seen at present.

Similarly, the prices of most of the items have either increased or remained static as compared to the month of December, while the people still await a decrease in the prices.

The prices of tomato and green pepper per kg have risen from Rs11 per kg to Rs14, and Rs11 per kg to Rs20 per kg, respectively.

The price of lady finger has also increased from Rs30 per kg to Rs38, while, the price of ginger has gone up from Rs10 to Rs12 per kg.