LHC seeks replies on plea against Ramazan price hike

This worrying mix raises the spectre of stagflation

LAHORE:

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday granted time to the Government of Punjab and the Secretary Local Government to submit replies to a petition challenging the alleged rise in prices of essential commodities during the holy month of Ramadan.

Justice Khalid Ishaq heard the petition filed by the Judicial Activism Panel regarding inflation and price control during Ramazan.

During the proceedings, the government's counsel sought additional time to submit a response on behalf of the provincial authorities. The court accepted the request and adjourned the hearing, directing the respondents to file their replies.

According to the petitioner, prices of essential food items have increased sharply during Ramadan, placing an additional burden on citizens.

The plea stated that bananas were being sold at around Rs350 per dozen, while meat prices had reportedly surged to as high as Rs3,200 per kilogramme in some markets.

The petition further alleged that the Punjab Price Control Act 2024 was not being effectively implemented and that regulatory authorities were carrying out only symbolic raids instead of taking meaningful action against profiteers.

It also claimed that the government's Sasta Ramazan Bazaar Scheme had failed to provide adequate relief to the public, with some citizens allegedly receiving substandard items at the subsidised markets.

The petitioner additionally alleged that photographs of Maryam Nawaz, the Chief Minister of Punjab, were being printed on food packages distributed using public funds.

The plea requested the court to direct authorities to take strict action against hoarders and profiteers and to introduce digital monitoring of essential commodity prices to ensure effective control of inflation during Ramadan.