This year, the traditional black marketing in Ramazan started much before Ramazan and broke previous records of lawlessness, challenging the writ of government.
A well organised and wilful hoarding of commodities is being purposely done to cause shortage so as to create fictitious increase in demand for pre-planned black marketing. Daily increase in prices of all eatable items these days is in full swing of enthusiastic robbing like a seasonal festivity.
While the true Muslims are observing the sanctity and seeking divine pardon to pass the 30 days annual refresher course of Allah, the greedy people are impatient to earn financial profit, instead of Blessings of Allah, as much as possible during this holy month. Whether it is retail or wholesale shop or street vendor; they all are selling products at a price of their choice, very daringly and openly with full dishonesty without any check and control.
These conditions are visible in all markets and are badly affecting common man. Each senior official just passes instructions to his juniors and shifts responsibility without caring for the implementation, which ultimately serves black marketing.
The Federal Cabinet fulfilled its duty and all moral obligations towards citizens by mere announcement of Ramazan-2007 package without caring for the means of its easy reach to 160 millions people in our country. The quality of government paid subsidy products available at Utility Stores is usually found below standard and un-healthy.
Hoarding prior to Ramazan with gradual black marketing during the entire holy month is not a new phenomenon. But it is very ironical that government, despite all availability of resources, has not been able to control the tradition of pre-planned black marketing during each Ramazan over decades, which is against all norms of moral, social and religious values and a punishable crime.
The best way to facilitate people is to ensure open provision of products on controlled rates at all retail and wholesale shops in all markets throughout the country instead of restricting the sale of subsidy paid products at limited quantity of Utility Stores only.
Price hike during Ramazan makes no difference to rich people but badly affects the poor, including middle class families who find it difficult to make their both ends meet. Despite above facts, the nation still expects the government to establish its writ to control the sin of traditional pre-planned black marketing during each Ramazan.