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Express Tribune
06-07-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Vendors ignore govt price lists
Listen to article The colourful piles of fresh fruits and vegetables at Islamabad's stalls may look inviting, but beneath the surface lies a well-practiced game of evasion and profiteering. From blaming rising transport costs to claiming high prices at the mandi, shopkeepers craft clever excuses to outsmart customers daily and dodge government price lists, hiking rates at will. These tactics not only squeeze the average shopper's wallet but also leave price control committees in a constant chase, turning regulation into an uphill battle. Every morning, the city administration issues official rate lists to protect consumers from sudden price hikes. These lists cover essentials, from onions and tomatoes to mangoes and poultry, yet on the ground, they're often ignored or hidden from view. At F-8, a middle-aged man haggled over tomato prices. The vendor insisted on Rs90 per kg, despite the government's list clearly displaying nearby the price fixed at Rs55. It might as well have been invisible. This wasn't an isolated case. A quick survey of five stalls in the same market showed tomato prices ranging from Rs65 to Rs100, while the official rate remained Rs55. Mangoes listed at Rs200 per kg were being sold for as high as Rs450. Prices seemed to hinge more on customer awareness than any regulation. Many shoppers, unaware of their rights, don't even know that these price lists exist. "I honestly didn't know there was a daily rate list," said an area resident. "I just assumed prices changed by area." Others echoed similar confusion. "It feels like every shop runs on its own rules," said a student from F-8 sector. "Nobody follows the list, and we don't know how or where to complain." "We have to buy these things regardless," added a housewife from I-11. "No one takes these lists seriously. We're just at their mercy." Low public awareness plays directly into vendors' hands When questioned, shopkeepers offer a familiar rotation of excuses such as transport strikes, fuel prices, poor harvests, or inflated mandi rates. "Humain peechay se mehngi mil rahi hain," (our suppliers sold it to us at a higher rate) is the default line. While some reasons occasionally hold merit, they're often exaggerated to justify random markups, especially during high-demand days. But Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon while talking to APP, dismissed these justifications. In a conversation, he confirmed that Sabzi Mandis across the city were complying with official rates. "The shopkeepers' complaints are baseless," he said, urging people to verify by visiting the mandi themselves. This disconnect raises a key question: if wholesale markets are following official prices, then why are retailers allowed to flout them so openly? Legally, vendors may add a justified profit over wholesale rates, but not inflate prices arbitrarily. Yet enforcement of the Price Control and Prevention of Profiteering and Hoarding Act, 1977 remains weak. Deception is common. Some vendors display the rate list as a formality; others hide it behind crates or omit MRPs from packaged goods. Many simply quote different prices to different customers based on how informed or unaware they seem. Although price control officers are tasked with daily inspections, active monitoring usually spikes only around Ramzan and Eid. The rest of the year, overcharging continues with little pushback. Many shoppers remain unaware that they can file complaints through the Pakistan Citizen Portal, call their local assistant commissioner, or contact the DC Control Room at 051-9108084, a number printed daily on the rate list, but rarely noticed. But fixing this isn't out of reach. Ensuring fair prices in markets isn't just about daily lists or occasional inspections. It requires a culture of compliance, stronger systems, and an informed public. When both vendors and buyers understand their roles within a transparent pricing structure, the space for confusion and manipulation naturally shrinks. With consistent monitoring, smarter tools, and greater awareness, price stability can move from being a seasonal effort to a year-round standard. The use of simple tech solutions, like mobile apps, digital rate boards, and instant reporting can further bridge the gap between regulation and everyday practice. Similar to well-regulated economies, small steps, taken consistently, can lead to lasting improvements that benefit everyone involved.
Express Tribune
04-06-2025
- Express Tribune
'Eidi' complaints mar Eid travel
As intercity travel increases and a huge rush of travellers was seen ahead of Eid, complaints are surfacing against transporters charging more than the fixed fares at some bus terminals while some passengers claimed they were being asked to pay extra in the name of "Eidi." Many passengers who were heading to Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and other parts of the country expressed concern about fare hikes. A few said that despite the presence of officials, some transporters still attempted to overcharge, especially during evening hours. When contacted the Islamabad district administration, the spokesman said that the authority has taken notice of the issue and launched monitoring operations at all major bus stands. According to officials, several teams led by assistant commissioners are visiting terminals, including Faizabad and 26 Number stop, to prevent overcharging. In this regard, Islamabad Deputy Commissioner, Irfan Nawaz Memon has directed that all assistant commissioners and magistrates remain on duty at bus stands throughout the Eid rush. He said that any transporter caught demanding more than the approved fare will face immediate action. He also urged citizens not to pay even one rupee above the official fare. "If any driver or operator asks for extra money, report it on the spot," he said, adding that passengers should cooperate with the administration to stop illegal practices. The administration's move is aimed at ensuring smooth travel and protecting passengers from fare manipulation during the busy holiday period, the spokesman added. DC Irfan Memon also emphasised the need to ensure that the passengers treated with respect. "Providing a fair and decent journey to all travelers is our responsibility," he said. Operations at the terminals include random checks, inquiries from passengers about fares, and verification of fare charts displayed at ticket counters. In several instances, transporters were warned or fined for failing to follow the rules. The deputy commissioner has appealed to the public to report any violations directly to the assistant commissioners present at the terminals. He said such complaints are being addressed immediately, with transporters either being penalised or barred from continuing their services. The administration has also set up helpline numbers and complaint desks at major terminals to facilitate passengers. Special squads have been formed to monitor transport activities during peak hours. The administration has also warned transport companies and terminal managers that strict action will be taken if any violations are reported.
Express Tribune
29-05-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Capital gears up to prevent dengue outbreak
The Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration has intensified efforts to curb the spread of dengue as early cases begin to appear in the city. While only four cases have been reported so far this season, authorities are focusing on swift, preventive action to avoid a potential outbreak. Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz Memon, chaired a high-level meeting attended by health officials to review the dengue situation. The meeting included a comparative analysis of case reports from other cities, including Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, and Rawalpindi, to draw insights from their prevention strategies. Officials briefed the meeting on ongoing field operations led by Assistant Commissioners in areas where mosquito larvae were detected. These include inspections of homes, commercial properties, and open spacescommon breeding grounds during dengue season. DC Memon urged residents to fully cooperate with the administration's anti-dengue campaign and adhere strictly to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for prevention. These include covering water containers, cleaning rooftops and drains, and eliminating stagnant water around properties. He directed Assistant Commissioners to take strict action against individuals or institutions found violating dengue prevention guidelines, emphasizing that early enforcement is key to containing the disease. The administration has ramped up public awareness efforts, including door-to-door visits, public announcements, and targeted inspections in high-risk areas. Health workers and volunteers are actively educating the public on how to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate breeding sites. Surveillance teams are monitoring vulnerable sectors, and fumigation and clean-up operations are being conducted based on larva detection reports. Weekly progress reviews will be held to assess the campaign's effectiveness and make necessary adjustments. Authorities are also coordinating with local health departments to ensure prompt management of reported cases. With dengue cases rising in other cities, Islamabad's strategy is focused on prevention through early detection, community involvement, and strict implementation of SOPs. Residents have been urged to report any signs of mosquito breeding to the relevant departments.
Express Tribune
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Capital to crack down on illegal cattle trade
Islamabad's district administration has started planning ahead of Eidul Azha to manage cattle markets and prevent illegal animal trading in the federal capital. In this regard, Islamabad Deputy Commissioner, Irfan Nawaz Memon, chaired a meeting to review the arrangements. Assistant commissioners and the Director of the Metropolitan Corporation attended the meeting. During the meeting, officials were briefed on the locations where cattle markets will be allowed. According to the plan, five designated spots across the federal capital will host animal markets this year. Markets will be established in Sangjhani, Sector I-15, and Bharakahu. Two additional markets will be set up along Lehtrar Road and Islamabad Expressway. These venues have been selected to manage the flow of people and livestock more efficiently and to minimise disruption in residential areas. The briefing further outlined that no trading of animals will be allowed outside these official markets. The district administration has decided to strictly enforce this rule to maintain order and hygiene in the city during the Eid days. Memon directed authorities to prepare for a city-wide crackdown on illegal cattle markets. He said any unapproved trading spots that emerge in local neighbourhoods or along roadsides will be removed without delay. He emphasised that only authorised markets will be allowed to operate and instructed the assistant commissioners to remain active in their respective areas to monitor the situation. Apart from administrative measures, coordination with the police and municipal authorities will be enhanced to regulate traffic around market areas and maintain law and order. Emergency services and medical teams will also be put on standby to deal with any incidents.
Express Tribune
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Capital activates 'War Book Rules'
Following heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, authorities in the federal capital have implemented War Book Rules by taking several measures including installation of sirens and the provision of sufficient fuel, blood and food supplies. As part of these measures, sirens have been installed on high-rise buildings, petrol pumps have been directed to stock additional fuel, and the Market Committee has finalised arrangements for the extra supply of vegetables, lentils, and other essential goods. An emergency meeting of the district administration was held on Thursday night under the chairmanship of Islamabad Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon. The meeting was attended by all Additional Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners, magistrates, and other officials. During the meeting, a detailed review of the proposed measures under the War Book Rules to handle any emergency situation was conducted. Briefing the participants, officials informed that emergency sirens have been installed on all tall buildings across Islamabad. Designated shelter areas have been identified for potential evacuees in case of a crisis. A 24/7 control room has also been established at the Safe City Complex. Hospitals have completed the implementation of War Book protocols, and blood relief camps have been set up at various locations. The Market Committee has finalised preparations for maintaining sufficient stocks of vegetables, lentils, and other food essentials. A strategy has also been devised to ensure availability of extra fuel at petrol stations. Coordination has been completed for using mosques to make emergency announcements if needed. Youth volunteers are being trained to assist during emergency situations. DC Memon instructed that all officers must remain on the ground at all times due to the sensitive nature of the situation. He appealed to the public to immediately contact the control room in case of any emergency.
