Residents of Mingora in Swat have voiced their frustration over the sharp increase in prices of essential goods, accusing shopkeepers, butchers, and vegetable vendors of disregarding government-mandated price regulations on the first day of Ramazan.
The Swat district administration had issued an official price list ahead of the holy month, setting the price of meat at Rs800 per kilogram. However, customers reported that butchers were charging as much as Rs1,000 per kilogram, leaving many feeling exploited.
“I went to buy meat this morning and was shocked to find the butcher demanding Rs1,000 per kilogram,” said Shahid Khan, a local resident. “The government clearly set the price at Rs800, but there’s no one enforcing these rules. It’s frustrating, especially when we’re already dealing with the added expenses of Ramazan.”
Vegetable prices also saw a significant surge, with vendors marking up their goods by Rs20 to Rs30 per kilogram above the government-recommended rates. Basic items such as onions, tomatoes, and potatoes were reportedly being sold at inflated prices.
“I came to buy potatoes, which usually cost around Rs60 per kilogram, but today I was asked to pay Rs120,” said Ismali Khan, another customer at the local market. “It’s not just meat; almost every vegetable is priced higher. It feels like the vendors know there’s no one to stop them, so they do as they please.”
Residents expressed concern over the lack of enforcement by the district administration. Despite the distribution of the official price list, many claimed that no checks were being carried out to ensure compliance.
“We keep hearing about the price lists, but when it comes to actual shopping, there’s no control,” said Imran Ahmad, a father of three. “I’ve seen no officials in the market. It’s almost as if the vendors are allowed to increase prices at will, especially when they know no one is watching.”
The absence of oversight has fueled growing dissatisfaction among consumers, who feel that basic essentials are becoming unaffordable, particularly during the holy month when many households are already grappling with increased costs.
In response, the district administration and the city mayor have established a complaint cell in Mingora, urging residents to report violations of the government price list.
Meanwhile, in Swabi, butchers were found blatantly disregarding the official price list on the first day of Ramazan. Despite the district administration’s directive to sell beef at Rs800 per kilogram, butchers charged Rs1,000 per kilogram.
A butcher in Swabi, speaking on condition of anonymity, admitted to overcharging consumers, citing rising costs of essential commodities. “We never charge according to the district administration’s price list because the prices of essential goods are skyrocketing. Without overcharging, it’s difficult for us to survive financially,” he said.
When confronted by consumers, one butcher reportedly retorted, “Let the officials come and fine me. We’re not afraid of them.”
Asfandyar Khan, a resident of Panjpir village, lamented the unchecked overcharging by butchers. “They charge whatever they want, and there’s no one to stop them,” he said.
When contacted, a district administration official stated that efforts were underway to enforce the official price list. However, the lack of visible action has left many consumers skeptical.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by residents in accessing affordable essentials during Ramazan, raising questions about the effectiveness of price control measures in the region.
