Authorities directed to continue actions against overpricing

PESHAWAR: Peshawar High Court (PHC) has directed the Food Department, provincial government, and Halal Food Authority to continue actions against overpricing during Ramazan in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and submit a progress report by April 3 in the matter.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Sahibzada Asadullah and Justice Ijaz Anwar heard a petition filed by Abbas Sangeen advocate.Justice Sahibzada Asadullah questioned the rationale behind the separate counters set up in large grocery stores, with the aim of just showing off that items were being sold at government-fixed rates on those counters. He stressed the need for uniformity in prices and relief for the average class in big stores.

Justice Ijaz Anwar stressed the importance of controlling prices and urged all stakeholders to continue their actions to address the issue.During the hearing, Special Secretary Home Zuber Ahmed, Additional Advocate General Rauf Afridi, Secretary Food Zarif-ul-Maani, and officials from the Halal Food Authority were also present in the court.

Zuber Ahmed informed the court about the measures taken to control prices, including instructions issued to reduce prices of food items, action against hoarders, and increasing staff for monitoring sales and purchases. He also highlighted the inspections conducted by the Halal Food Authority and the sealing of shops.

Director Food Yasir Hussain informed the court about actions taken against big stores, noting that their prices are higher due to heavy taxes paid by them.The petitioner, Abbas Sangeen advocate, stated that in addition to overpricing of commodities, commuters are overcharged by transporters on occasion of Eid when they travel to their hometowns.

At this, the special secretary home assured to form teams to raid bus terminals and check overcharging by transporters.The court directed the stakeholders to continue their actions against overpricing, and adjourned the hearing till April 3, while also ordering the submission of a detailed progress report in the matter.