Hailstorm havoc follows repair rip-offs

Amid overwhelming demand, workshops and traders stand accused of profiteering

RAWALPINDI:

Citizens affected by the recent violent hailstorm in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are now facing a second ordeal — rampant overcharging by auto repair workshops and parts dealers.

The powerful storm left thousands of vehicles with shattered windshields, broken headlights, and damaged sunroofs.

But as residents rushed to workshops for urgent repairs, traders dealing in windshields and vehicle lights seized the opportunity to inflate prices drastically.

A windshield that typically sells for Rs5,000 is now being sold for up to Rs20,000. For imported vehicles, prices have surged even more dramatically - windshields once available for Rs20,000 are now priced as high as Rs70,000.

Adding insult to injury, labour charges for windshield fittings have also seen a sharp hike.

Workshops across Rawalpindi, including those in Chah Sultan, Railway Road, Mithu Khan compound, Gawalmandi, and Pirwadhai, are overwhelmed with damaged vehicles.

In some locations, the influx is so severe that it's difficult for pedestrians to walk through.

Citizens, already grappling with the destruction caused by the hailstorm, are calling out what they describe as blatant profiteering.

"This disaster was a test from God, but instead of learning a lesson, traders are using it to squeeze out maximum profit," said one frustrated car owner. "Every time a calamity hits, some in the business community find a way to exploit those already in distress."

However, those involved in the vehicle parts trade claim the price surge is not their doing.

"The shortage and price increase were triggered by big companies and stockholders who took advantage of the situation," said a local trader.

"We simply can't offer cheaper prices when supplies are limited and more expensive. Plus, there's a labor crunch - we've had to raise fitting charges due to the high volume of work."

They're urging the government to take swift action against those charging inflated prices in the wake of the disaster.

"The storm passed, but the exploitation continues," said another resident. "The government must step in and hold these profiteers accountable."

Proposal seeks compensation

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Interior, Senator Faisal Saleem, has recommended financial assistance for car owners whose vehicles were damaged during a sudden hailstorm in Islamabad, Express News reported on Saturday.

The Senator wrote a letter to the Ministry of Interior and the Chief Commissioner of Islamabad, highlighting that the hailstorm broke the windshields of hundreds of vehicles, causing significant financial losses to residents.

"The unexpected hailstorm caused heavy financial damage to citizens. The government should provide partial compensation to mitigate these losses," the letter read. "Such compensation would not only ease the financial burden on affected citizens but also send a message of goodwill and solidarity."

Senator Saleem proposed that subsidies or direct financial assistance be extended to economically distressed citizens. He also called for expedited and fair disbursement procedures from insurance companies.