National News

ISLAMABAD, (APP): Sasta Bazaars in different parts of
country have been providing relief to consumers by selling edible
items at affordable prices during Ramazan.
A report aired by PTV News said that the Sasta Bazaars, a
yearly initiative of the government, have not only broken the
monopoly of the profiteers in the fruit and vegetable market but
also kept the prices of fruit and veggies elsewhere under a
strict control.
Consumers said they were happy to see a substantial difference
in the prices of veggies and fruits during this month.
“When I compare the prices with what used to be in the first
few days of Ramazan, I feel as if I am buying for free,” remarked
Ahmed Shahzad, holding bags of veggies and fruits in local Sasta
Bazar.
When asked, vendors they said even at this price, they were
earning and not losing.
“I daily bring a truckload of fruits from different towns of
the Punjab and Alhamdulillah I am earning good amount of money from
my sales at the rates fixed by the civic authorities on a daily
basis,” said Kashif Mohmmad, 62, a vendor.
“These Bazaars have influenced the markets, as shopkeepers
found themselves bound to sell their commodities at reasonable
prices in order to keep their businesses going,” an official
Asim Bukhari said.
The price list issued for saturday Sasta Bazaars shows that
the rates of most fruits and vegetables were much lower than their
prices in the open market.
The customers visiting weekly Bazaar, at the same time have
appealed to the concerned officials to ensure strict check on
adherence to the price list by stallholders particularly those
selling fruits.
They said that during Ramazan, profiteers and some elements,
in their lust for wealth, create problems for the common people.
However, concerned authorities would personally monitor the prices
of edibales so that common man could be saved from hoarders and
profiteers.