Rawalpindi shopkeepers reject official govt prices of chicken

RAWALPINDI: Chicken vendors in Rawalpindi have taken advantage of the people by selling chicken at exorbitant prices in blatant violation of the official prices of the district administration.

Meat is being sold at Rs 740 to Rs 790 per kg, which is much higher than the official price of Rs 595 per kg fixed by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hasan Waqar Cheema.

This overcharging, especially widespread in areas like Adiala Road, has been going on for over four months, with little intervention from the district administration.

Although DC Rawalpindi issued notification number IPWM/RWP/G-42, which fixed the prices of essential commodities including chicken, most of the vendors ignored these instructions. The notification also warned of strict action against price list violators, but enforcement has been largely absent.

The problem is not limited to chicken sellers. Greengrocers, grocers, bakers, and sweet sellers are also raising prices, often making over 200% profit on certain items and refusing to sell goods at official rates. The people are bearing the brunt of what they term ‘man-made’ inflation, due to the inaction of the district administration.

In the DC price list, white chickpeas are Rs 300 per kg, chickpeas Rs 345, moong dal Rs 300, dal masoor Rs 275, dal mash Rs 500, rice Rs 270, milk Rs 270 to Rs 290, curd Rs 200, peas Rs 200. has been set. 1600 rupees and beef 800 rupees. However, profiteers are ignoring these official rates, selling commodities at exorbitant prices and maximizing their profits without facing the consequences.

Frustrated locals have criticized the situation, blaming administrative negligence for the artificially high prices. Many believe that profiteers are taking advantage of the lack of enforcement, and while the district administration continues to issue price lists, little is being done to ensure compliance.

Residents are demanding strict action from the local authorities to stop the illegal profiteering and hoarding that is adversely affecting their daily lives. They demand effective measures to control inflation and provide much-needed relief to the people.