‘Ramazan Bachat Bazaar’ not to be allowed in Sindh

Rahoo says the crowds these markets draw could increase the risk of spreading Covid-19

KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided not to permit the setting up of Ramazan Bacha Bazaars throughout the province due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

In an announcement on Friday, Sindh Agriculture Minister Ismail Rahoo stated that this step had been taken for the protection of the people, pointing to the large flocks of customers these markets customarily attract. This would help the virus spread, he added.

However, the minister stated, fruit and vegetable supplies would be ensured at shops and stalls, while people would also be able to order fruits and vegetables online for fixed prices during the holy month.

He maintained that directives had also been issued to make strict arrangements at vegetable markets, while price control magistrates had also been asked to take action against hoarders and profiteers. He added that shop-owners would be bound by the law to display official price lists at their shops, stalls and consignments.

In this regard, all deputy commissioners have been directed to establish monitoring cells at the district level, he concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 18^th, 2020.