As the holy month of Ramzan begins, citizens in Rawalpindi are expressing disappointment with the high prices of essential items in Sasta Ramzan bazaars, which were set up to provide relief from inflation. Despite efforts by the district administration to establish these bazaars and Fair Price shops, citizens claim that the relief offered is insignificant in light of the unprecedented inflation they are facing.
Many citizens have voiced their frustration, stating that they are finding it increasingly difficult to afford food for iftar and sehri. While the district administration has fixed new prices for essential commodities and established multiple bazaars, citizens report that these prices are not being enforced, allowing traders to continue overcharging customers.
On the first day of Ramzan, citizens attempting to purchase fruit for iftar were dismayed by the high prices, with apples selling for Rs450 per kg, guavas for Rs300 per kg, melon for Rs200 per kg, bananas for Rs300 per dozen, and dates for Rs500 to Rs700 per kg. Citizens also report that the discount offered at these bazaars is minimal, with a meager Rs30 to Rs40 difference compared to open market prices.
Some citizens are calling for action from the authorities to address the issue of overpricing in Ramzan bazaars. They argue that in other countries, the prices of essential items are reduced during Ramzan, but in Pakistan, the holy month is considered an opportunity for traders to make maximum profits.
The district administration has established multiple bazaars, including 16 Ramazan Sasta Bazaars, 34 Fair Price Shops, and 8 Sasta Saheri Bazaars, in an effort to mitigate the impact of high inflation on low-income families. However, citizens report that these efforts have not been effective in providing relief.
In conclusion, the high prices of essential items in Ramzan bazaars have caused frustration and disappointment for citizens in Rawalpindi. While the district administration has made efforts to establish these bazaars and control prices, citizens report that these efforts have not been effective, and traders continue to overcharge customers. As inflation continues to rise, citizens are calling for action to address this issue and provide relief during the holy month of Ramzan.