Sialkot District is facing acute shortage of wheat as a result of which there is a sharp slump in Gandam mandi (wheat market). The wheat brokers alleged that huge quantity of wheat has been smuggled from Sialkot to unknown areas resultantly flour crisis erupted and people were suffering adversely in the district.
A media party visits various markets including Gandam Mandi, bazaars, and Ramzan bazaars for assessing the growing public complaints about the price hike and quality of articles of daily use being sold in the bazaars.
During a visit to Ramazan bazaar the consumers alleged that flourmills were selling "Chokar" mixed Atta in Ramazan bazaars at Rs 285 per bag whereas one kg Atta is being sold at Rs 20 in different bazaars in the city.
The Ramazan bazaars established in different locations of Sialkot, including cantonment area are attracting the consumers. In cantonment, a few shops are established in Ramazan bazaar was presenting ugly look during the visit of the bazaar some female consumers were found quarrelling with shopkeepers on quality of goods. It was observed that the prices of daily items especially vegetable and fruits are constantly on the rise in Sialkot, Daska, Pasrur and Sambrial tehsils of Sialkot districts. The district administration has failed to cope with this burning issue.
The prices of seasonal vegetables and fruits are beyond the reach of the consumers of four tehsils of the district. The consumers alleged that sub-standard articles of daily use and vegetables, fruits are being sold in Ramazan bazaars. It was much astonishing that to note that nobody is dare to check the overall price-hike in Sialkot district and it seems that Sialkoties are living in the rule of a jungle.
It seems that district administration had bowed its knees in front of profiteers and hoarders and district administration had badly failed in bringing down the prices of daily use in the district.
Sialkot District Nazim and DCO have focused their attention on self-projection, false statements are being issued by nazim office whereas the ground realities are different.