The government should control prices of commodities during Ramazan and form an action plan against sub-standard products. This was stated by Consumers Association of Pakistan (CAP) Chairman Kaukab Iqbal during a press briefing regarding Ramazan-ul-Mubarak held at CAP head office.
On the occasion Senior Vice Chairman Naim Patel, General Secretary Engr. Farida Essa, Regional Chairman Sindh Mumtaz Yaseen Arain, Information Secretary Arshad Jamal, Amir Siddiqui, Sheikh Abdul Razzaque, Captain Tariq Subhan, and Dr Naeem Khalid of the Consumers Association were also present.
The CAP chief said: "Pakistan is the only country in the world where with the arrival of any festival or Ramazan-ul-Mubarak, the prices of food and commodities soar high, while in non-Muslim countries during Christmas or any other festival, the prices of all essential items fall low to facilitate the consumers. But our traders calls the Ramazan as season and try to make money for the whole year.
In the absence of effective price control measures from the government side, the hoarders will raise the prices in Ramazan. It is felt that in spite of considerable duty-free import of cattle, consumers has to face price-hike in milk and meat in Ramazan. The advantage of reduced duty is not passing on to consumers.
As per CAP's market survey, the rate of edible oil has already been increased and the traders has started fleecing consumers by increasing the prices."
Kaukab Iqbal appealed to Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz to stop export of meat during Ramazan and get complete control in selling meats in many restaurants on meatless days.
He also demanded that all MPs, Town Nazims, Consumer Associations and Consumer Groups should be given magisterial power for controlling price-hike in Ramazan.
The CAP chief urged the raders for the sake of Ramazan, they must reduce 15 percent price voluntarily and identify those selling sub-standard goods.
Kaukab Iqbal suggested that the government should increase the number of utility stores and special reduction in prices of the essential items being sold in these stores during Ramazan to provide relief to consumers.-PR
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