In a recent development at Karachi’s historic Jodia Bazaar, a retailer faced penalties for selling flour below the officially mandated rate. The market, known as the country’s oldest and largest wholesale hub for essential goods, witnessed discontent among traders following the incident.
The Karachi Wholesaler Grocers Group (KWGG) voiced their dissatisfaction with the fines imposed on the retailer, indicating potential escalations in protest. Threats of a shutter-down strike loom as the group perceives the penalties as unjust treatment.
A team from the Deputy Commissioner’s office conducted an inspection on Saturday, targeting prices and the sale of food items across various shops in Jodia Bazaar. During this examination, it came to light that one retailer was offering flour at a rate lower than the official price.
Chairman of the Wholesaler Grocers Group, Abdur Rauf, highlighted the discrepancy, stating that the shop in question sold flour at Rs115 per kg, whereas the officially mandated rate stands at Rs123 per kg. Rauf condemned the fines levied against the shopkeeper, arguing that the act of providing affordable flour to low-income citizens should not be deemed a punishable offense in the country.
The situation is evolving as traders and officials engage in discussions regarding pricing regulations in one of Pakistan’s most prominent wholesale markets. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.