Profiteers 'rule' Depalpur markets

Price control mechanisms have largely failed in Depalpur and its surrounding areas, leaving residents at the mercy of profiteers as the administration struggles to enforce official rates during Ramazan.

With weak monitoring and a lack of strict check-and-balance mechanisms, the price control system has become ineffective, forcing citizens to purchase essential commodities at inflated prices.

Residents complain that many shopkeepers are openly charging rates far higher than those fixed by the government, while official price lists are rarely displayed at shops. Prices of chicken, mutton and beef have surged sharply and are being sold well above the official rates.

Similarly, everyday items including bread, eggs, biscuits, fruits, vegetables and bakery products have witnessed significant price hikes due to inadequate market oversight.

Citizens say the absence of proper monitoring by the price control authorities has emboldened profiteers.

In many shops, bakeries, fruit and vegetable stalls, and butcher outlets, the rate lists issued by the Market Committee are missing, allowing traders to charge arbitrary prices.

Residents, including Chaudhry Muhammad Ashfaq, Naveed Shah Owaisi, Alam Sher Bhadru, Haji Muhammad Siddique Zafar, Chaudhry Mudassar and Malik Rafiq said that prices of essential food items typically soar before and during Ramazan due to increased demand.

As a result, items such as bread, vegetables, meat and fruits become unaffordable for low-income households.

They added that although the government usually establishes "Nigehban Ramazan Bazaars" and announces official price lists to control inflation, these measures often fail to provide practical relief to the majority of citizens.

According to recent economic data, Pakistan's overall inflation rate reached around seven percent by February 2026, with urban areas recording approximately 6.8% and rural areas about 7.3%.

On a monthly basis, prices of several food items including tomatoes, mash pulses, and fruits have also shown noticeable increases. The recent rise in petrol and diesel prices has further drawn strong criticism from citizens and transporters, particularly ahead of Ramadan.

They argue that higher fuel costs increase transportation expenses, which eventually translate into higher prices for essential goods in markets.

Residents pointed out that Ramadan is meant to be a month of worship and spiritual reflection, but rising inflation makes it increasingly difficult for many families to arrange basic meals for Sehri and Iftar.

While the government has launched financial assistance programmes for low-income families during Ramadan, citizens believe stronger market regulation and effective price monitoring are needed to ensure real relief.

When contacted, Price Control Magistrate and In-charge of the Para Force in Tehsil Depalpur, Sub-Inspector Muhammad Ahmed, said that no notification regarding official rates for beef and mutton had yet been issued by the Deputy Commissioner Okara, therefore action against butchers could not be taken.

Meanwhile, Assistant Commissioner Faisal Shahzad Cheema declined to comment on the matter.

Citizens have urged the chief minister, chief secretary, commissioner, deputy commissioner and DPO to take immediate notice and ensure strict enforcement of price control measures in the area.