SHC summons officials in milk pricing dispute

KARACHI:

Representatives of dairy farmers have urged the court to allow the market forces to set the price of milk instead of official meddling.

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Commissioner Karachi, DC South, and others in response to a petition by the Dairy Farms Milk Association seeking to establish milk prices based on supply and demand dynamics. Acting Chief Justice Aqeel Ahmad Abbasi, leading a two-member bench, presided over the hearing.

The petitioner's counsel argued against Deputy Commissioner South's interference in Milk Market affairs, urging a halt to such actions. The market currently faces the compulsion of selling milk at Rs.188 per litre, with government officials allegedly resorting to illegal measures through social media.

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The Chief Secretary has been implored to take action against DC South, emphasising that determining milk prices falls outside the Deputy Commissioner's authority. Various Deputy Commissioners and the Euro of Supply have recommended milk prices ranging from Rs.193 to Rs.229.

The plea advocates allowing milk prices to be determined by supply and demand.

The court has scheduled the next hearing for December 5, summoning responses from the Chief Secretary, Commissioner Karachi, DC South, and other concerned parties.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, November 18^th, 2023.