“They (the commissioner’s office) visit the wholesale markets and fix prices without the consent of the retailers,” Qureshi complained. PHOTO: MOHAMMAD AZEEM/EXPRESS/FILE
KARACHI:
Profiteering cannot be stopped until retailers are taken into confidence, said Sindh Grocery Retailer Association general secretary Farid Qureshi while talking to The Express Tribune, revealing that retailers are kept in the dark about the fixed prices.
“They (the commissioner’s office) visit the wholesale markets and fix prices without the consent of the retailers,” Qureshi complained. “We have protested several times with the commissioner’s office but to no avail.”
However, Karachi commissioner Shoaib Ahmed Siddiqui rejected Qureshi’s claims and said that all prices are fixed with the consent of retailers and wholesalers associations. “During the meeting, all stakeholders agreed on the prices,” said Siddiqui, while also questioning the reason for the association’s protest. “Why would they protest later against the arrest of a profiteer when they had agreed to adhere to the prices?”
The commissioner also insisted that the crackdown against profiteers will continue until all retailers adhere to the fixed prices.
Mixed results
The crackdown against profiteering, which began in Ramzan, seems to have had little effect as essential commodities are still being openly sold at varying prices throughout the city. Siddiqui, despite all his efforts, has failed to chalk out a comprehensive strategy to protect residents against profiteers.
“Sometimes the assistant commissioners conduct raids at different markets to check the prices of everyday items and fine those not adhering to the fixed prices,” revealed Muhammad Amin, a resident of North Nazimabad. “However, as soon as the officials leave, the retailers start charging the original prices.”
The commissioner office has requested the public to come forward if they witness any case of profiteering in the city. However, most complainers claim that their emails and calls are not entertained. “Our emails are ignored and despite multiple attempts, no one picks up the phone,” said a man, who tried to complain.
Difference in fixed and market prices
Official prices Market prices
Rice (per kg)
Low quality Rs73 Rs100
High quality Rs143 Rs160
Beef (per kg)
On the bone Rs280 Rs400
Boneless Rs320 Rs440
Chicken (per kg)
On the bone Rs142 Rs180
Boneless Rs 230 Rs270
Published in The Express Tribune, December 18th, 2013.
COMMENTS (1)
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LOL @ email. All Pakistanis ignore emails. It's rather odd behaviour if you think about it. Every Pakistani netizen has an email address but they never check their email account or respond to emails.
OT I say let the free market run its course. These commissioners are nothing more than parasites who collect a salary from the government as well as harass poor street vendors for bribes.