Karachi Commissioner’s Teams Impose Rs. 45 Million in Fines on Retailers for Price Violations
The Karachi Commissioner’s price-checking teams have imposed fines totaling Rs. 45 million on 4,345 retailers up to the 27th of Ramazan, a significant increase from Rs. 31 million collected from over 3,500 retailers during the same period last year.
Despite the intensified crackdown, market prices remain substantially higher than official rates, Dawn reported.
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Increased Enforcement Measures
This year, authorities have:
- Sealed 161 shops (compared to 58 in 2024)
- Arrested 155 profiteers (no arrests were made last year)
- Conducted 30,371 inspections, more than double the 12,304 inspections from 2024
Rampant Price Violations Persist
A random market survey indicates that several essential commodities are still being sold at inflated rates, defying official price controls:
- Live poultry: Rs. 510-560 per kg (official rate: Rs. 420 per kg)
- Beef with bones: Rs. 1,200 per kg (official rate: Rs. 750 per kg)
- Boneless veal: Rs. 1,600 per kg (official rate: Rs. 1,050 per kg)
- Bananas: Rs. 350 per dozen (official rate: Rs. 161 per dozen)
- Potatoes: Rs. 80 per kg (official rate: Rs. 40 per kg)
Other staples such as flour, milk, and fresh produce are also being sold at inflated prices.
Public Frustration Grows
Shoppers have expressed frustration, stating that price gouging continues unchecked in many areas despite official actions. Many believe that while fines and inspections have increased, they have not been effective in curbing the widespread overpricing of essential goods.
