Pindi’s administration fails to control soaring prices

Rawalpindi:Despite ongoing efforts by federal and provincial governments to reduce prices on essential items, the local administration in Rawalpindi has failed to implement these reductions, leading to widespread public frustration and criticism. The government recently reduced prices of essential goods, including sugar and pulses, but due to inadequate enforcement by district authorities, prices in local markets remain exorbitantly high.

The government recently lowered the price of sugar by Rs32 per kilogram, from Rs157 to Rs125, and decreased the prices of various pulses by Rs25 to Rs75 per kilogram. Petrol prices have also been reduced multiple times, cutting costs by Rs40 per litre. However, residents of Rawalpindi have yet to feel the impact of these reductions, as profiteers continue to charge inflated prices.

Rauf Ibrahim, Chairman of the Wholesale Grocers Association, confirmed the government reductions, noting that prices for staple items like sugar, daal chana, daal mash, and various types of chickpeas had all been slashed significantly. But in the open market, these items continue to be sold at inflated rates. Locals allege that while the administration displays official price lists, it does little to prevent profiteers and hoarders from setting prices at their discretion. Adding to the criticism, the local administration appears to be using low-ranking officials to conduct minimal inspections, reportedly issuing a few fines only to demonstrate compliance to the Punjab government. Meanwhile, profiteers operate unchecked, leaving consumers bearing the brunt of rising costs.

In response to these issues, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz recently announced plans to establish a Price Control Squad (PCQ) dedicated to curbing inflation and protecting consumers. However, citizens are still waiting for this squad to materialize and are urging the Chief Minister to expedite its formation. In a survey conducted by ‘The News’, residents expressed strong discontent, with many noting the stark difference between the official prices and what is actually charged in stores. While a so-called ‘Sasta Bazaar’ has been set up in Shamsabad, it has done little to ease the burden on consumers, as enforcement remains lax and prices continue to soar.

Locals interviewed by ‘The News’ called for the Punjab government to appoint dedicated officials to address these issues. Muhammad Shafiq, a senior citizen, criticised the district administration’s lack of action, stating, “Irresponsible officers are tarnishing the image of both the federal and Punjab governments, which are genuinely trying to bring down prices.” Dr. Uzma Irfan, another resident, lamented the deteriorating management across public sector departments and the Punjab government’s inaction, stating, "How can the Chief Minister achieve her goals with such an irresponsible bureaucracy?”

With inflation at the forefront of public concern, residents are demanding stronger oversight and accountability to prevent profiteering and make essentials more affordable.