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Express Tribune
28-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Cattle markets buzz, but prices soar
As Eidul Azha approaches, the cattle markets are setting up in different specified places of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), including Sangjhani, Sector I-15, Bharakahu, Lehtrar Road and Islamabad Expressway. At I-15 cattle markets, Abdul Shakoor, who brought his animals from Arifwala, said: "We are satisfied with the market setup, especially the availability of basic facilities like water and electricity." He emphasised that water is crucial for maintaining the health and vitality of the animals when the temperature is at its peak. Moin Khan, the manager of the Mandi, highlighted that the market spans over 1,000 kanals and is divided into blocks to streamline management. "We have focused particularly on ensuring the availability of water, electricity, and proper security arrangements," he said. Each trader has been allotted around 150 to 200 square feet of space to conduct business in an organised way, he said, adding that additional measures have also been taken to ensure safety and prevent any untoward incidents. The different sizes of cow, goat, and sheep are available in this mandi but prices are high as compared to last year. Sardar Shah, a goat seller from Mianwali said that the prices of goat are between Rs50,000 and Rs350,000 according to their specifications. While Muhammad Imran, another seller, who brought their cows from Multan, offered prices Rs230,000 to Rs600,000 or their bulls depending on their weight and size. However, residents are enthusiastic about the market's setup, but got frustrated over the high prices of both small and big animals. A customer, Abdul Manan, who was looking for a sacrificial animal, said: "The market is impressive in scale, but the prices are shockingly high. A goat of average weight is being sold for Rs120,000, significantly more than what I paid last year for a similar one." On the other hand, traders argued that the cost of raising animals has increased, which has forced them to increase the prices. Sardar Shah explained that fodder, transport, and other essentials are expensive which affects the final price of the animals. Despite high prices, buyers are struggling to find suitable animals for the Islamic ritual. They are actively bargaining to negotiate better prices and remain hopeful of finding their desired animal in the large cattle markets, where animals of all sizes are available.
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Prices of perishables surge
Prices of perishable goods continued to rise sharply this week across the city's markets, accompanied by widespread overcharging as vendors defied government-issued rate lists. Despite prominently displaying official price lists at shops and carts, most sellers charged significantly higher rates. The price of live chicken increased by Rs25 per kilogram, officially fixed between Rs379 and Rs393. However, live chickens were rarely available, while chicken meat was sold at Rs560 to Rs650 per kg, and boneless chicken at Rs900 to Rs1,000 per kg. Potato prices also reflected a wide disparity. The official rate for A-grade soft-skin potatoes was reduced by Rs5 per kg to Rs40-45, yet they were sold at Rs80-100 per kg. B-grade potatoes were listed at Rs37-40 per kg and C-grade at Rs32-35, while mixed qualities were sold between Rs50 and Rs70. Onions and tomatoes remained officially unchanged, with A-grade varieties priced at Rs35-40 per kg. Despite this, onions were sold at Rs80-100 per kg and tomatoes at Rs100-120 per kg in the markets. B- and C-grade varieties were also priced significantly above official rates. Garlic and ginger prices saw substantial hikes. Local garlic increased by Rs30 per kg, officially fixed at Rs182-190 but sold between Rs200 and Rs300. Chinese garlic rose by Rs5 per kg to Rs334-350 but fetched Rs500 in the market. Harnai garlic rose by Rs30 per kg, fixed at Rs248--260 and sold at Rs400. Ginger, both Thai and Chinese, surged by Rs230 per kg, fixed at Rs620-650 and sold between Rs800 and Rs1,000. Other vegetables such as cauliflower, lady finger and arum were also sold far above listed rates. Among fruits, banana prices decreased officially, but still sold far above set rates. A-category bananas were fixed at Rs188-210 per dozen and sold at Rs300-350. Guavas rose by Rs10 to Rs120-170 per kg and were sold at Rs250-300. Papayas gained Rs20 per kg, fixed at Rs257-270, but sold at Rs300--350. Melons increased by Rs15 to Rs55-95 per kg, yet were sold at Rs130-150. Watermelons were officially reduced by Rs5 per kg to Rs33-35 but sold at Rs40-80. Lokat was reduced by Rs35 per kg to Rs124-130, but sold at Rs150-200. Peaches were reduced by Rs25 to Rs115-185 per kg, but sold at Rs150-300.
Express Tribune
07-04-2025
- Health
- Express Tribune
Dues dispute hits Holy Family Hospital
A dispute has erupted between the contractors supplying medicines and related materials and the administration of the city's largest Holy Family Hospital over the non-payment of millions of rupees. Contractors have rejected the hospital administration's acknowledgment of dues amounting to Rs230 million, insisting that the outstanding amount is Rs400 million. The hospital administration has maintained that payments will be made by June 30. According to the contractors, they have not received payments for goods supplied, and they are also being asked for donations. They claim they have a right to the payment for the supplied goods, which has yet to be paid. On the other hand, Dr Ijaz Butt, the Medical Superintendent of Holy Family Hospital, stated that with three months remaining until the end of the current financial year, the hospital will clear Rs230 million in dues based on the Drug Testing Laboratory (DTL) clearance of the supplied medicines. The outstanding dues will be processed by the end of the financial year. Dr Butt added that if payments are not made by June 30, the remaining dues will be considered as liabilities. He further clarified that donations are voluntary, and no one is being forced to donate.
Express Tribune
16-03-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Ramazan's arrival triggers price hikes
Following the arrival of the holy month of Ramazan, the locals of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa are seen grappling with the devastating effects of soaring inflation, which has significantly impacted their ability to make end meets on a daily basis. Despite the government claiming to tackle the issue, the situation remains dire, with essential commodities in the market becoming increasingly unaffordable. One of the key reasons behind this unbridled price hike is the failure of the Price Review Committee to take action, leading to skyrocketing prices for bare necessities. Currently, in Peshawar, meat prices range from Rs1,200 to Rs1,400 per kilogram, while chicken is being sold at an all-time high of Rs506 per kilogram. Similarly, milk prices have also been affected by food inflation, with prices per liter ranging from Rs230 to Rs240, marking a significant increase from the prices observed during the previous years. Shakil Khan, a local from Peshawar, shared his two cents on the severe inflation spell during Ramazan, which in his opinion, had become an annual trend over the past few years. "Hoarders and profiteers take advantage of this holy month, raking in billions at the cost of the public. Furthermore, district administration officials are either preoccupied with social media platforms like TikTok or conduct superficial visits to a few shops, showcasing these actions on Facebook without addressing the core issue," lamented Khan. "In the past, the administration used to organize 'Sasta Bazaars' (cheap markets) during Ramazan where people could buy essential items at reasonable prices, but this year there is no such initiative. The prices are skyrocketing, and there is no relief in sight," he added. Nasim Bibi, a mother of four children revealed that she was a housewife while her husband was a rickshaw driver. Nasim's household was barely making ends meet due to artificial inflation, whereby the shopkeepers in her area were not adhering to the official price lists and each vendor was charging whatever they deemed fit. "The rising costs of essential items have made it nearly impossible to manage the home and take care of my children. There is no sense of accountability. While the government continues to make claims about providing relief, we have yet to see any tangible benefits. The provincial government and district administration need to review their performance and ensure that the public receives some real relief," she urged. For many households like that of Nasim, managing household expenditures has become increasingly difficult thanks to profiteers looting locals during the blessed season. Khalid Farooq, a government employee, also expressed his concerns over the recent wave of inflation. "Both private and government workers are suffering since a large portion of their salaries is either consumed by utility bills or school fees for their children. The district administration must do more to improve their performance and ease the financial burden on the public," Farooq emphasized. On the other hand, Deputy Commissioner of Peshawar, Sarmad Saleem, defended the district administration's efforts, stating that they have been regularly visiting markets and taking action against those found violating the official price lists. "Hundreds of shopkeepers have already been fined for overcharging. We urge the public to cooperate with the administration and report any incidents of price hikes or violations. We will take appropriate action," he affirmed.
