Ramazan inflation: Gilgit divided in seven zones to keep prices stable

Magistrates assigned to act against hoarders.

GILGIT:

The district administration has divided Gilgit in seven different zones to keep prices stable during Ramazan and magistrates have been assigned to monitor hoarders, official sources said on Wednesday.

“The decision has been made for easy management of affairs during Ramazan,” said a senior district administration official on Wednesday. He asked not to be named because he was not authorised to talk to media.

“We have received several complains of price hikes. However, we are taking strong measures to keep the rates of commodities under control,” said the official. He said the administration has taken steps to ensure availability of meat during the holy month.

“We have banned the supply of animals outside Gilgit-Baltistan to ensure meat is available in the local markets,” he explained, adding that a control room had also been set up in the Gilgit Tehsil Office to register public complaints.

He further said that the magistrates will be given support from other departments, including the police to take action against violators.

“The government has prepared a price list of 175 items and the shopkeepers would be required to display the price list at their shops. Those found violating the official list will be sent to jail,” he said.

The official said the rate of wheat has been set at Rs500 per 20 kg bag, and food department has been informed about the new price.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 4^th, 2011.