LHC summons mayor over high rates at Ramazan bazaars

LAHORE: The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday summoned the mayor and deputy commissioner of the provincial metropolis to appear in person and provide answers on a petition against skyrocketing prices of fruits.

Justice Mamoonur Rasheed of the LHC directed both officers to appear before the court on June 8. The judge questioned government representatives over their inability to decrease fruit prices, adding locals had already boycotted this commodity due to the exorbitant rates.

The judge summoned these key officials on a petition filed by the Judicial Activism Panel. The petitioner said prices of fruits were deliberately increased with the onset of Ramazan to exploit people and make huge profits. He added the fruits were sold at normal prices before Ramazan and the same lower rates would apply after the holy month comes to an end.



He said the government of Punjab was doing nothing to control the menace of inflation. The petitioner stated only 30 Ramazan bazaars were set up in Lahore to benefit those people who were in favour with the government, he added.

Addressing the law officer, the judge questioned the performance of the mayor. He remarked if substandard items were being sold at high rates at Ramazan bazaars, it clearly indicated a failure of the government.

The petitioner said the government failed to take action against hoarders charging high prices and requested the court take action against the responsible authority.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 6^th, 2017.