People suffer as prices of food items go up

MARDAN: Residents of Mardan are facing severe difficulties due to a sharp rise in the prices of essential food items, including chicken, meat, and groceries, during the holy month of Ramazan.

The artificial inflation has hit the poor the hardest, while the district administration remains largely inactive in addressing the issue.A survey of various markets across the city revealed that traders have significantly increased prices, taking advantage of the high demand. However, authorities appear indifferent, allowing the price surge to continue unchecked. In key commercial areas such as Charsadda Chowk, Bank Road, Bigut Gunj, Gaju Khan, Par Hoti, Shaheedano Bazaar, Shamshi Road, Malakand Chowk, and Adda Bazaar, customers are reluctant to buy chicken and meat due to soaring prices.

Despite the district administration setting the price of cow milk at Rs140 per liter and buffalo milk at Rs200 per liter, both are being sold at inflated rates ranging from Rs240 to Rs260 per kilogram. Similarly, beef buffalo, originally priced at Rs800 per kilogram, is being sold for Rs1,100 to Rs1,200 per kilogram, while boneless beef is reaching Rs1,200 to Rs1,300 per kilogram. Many markets are also reportedly selling water-mixed and unhygienic meat.

Yogurt, officially priced at Rs210 per kilogram, is being sold for Rs250 to Rs260 per kilogram. Prices of vegetables, fruits, and other essential commodities have also surged, further burdening residents.