ISLAMABAD: The citizens of federal capital while expressing their concerns urged the authorities concerned to take strict action against profiteers and hoarders, burdening more to the dwellers especially the middle class.

They blamed the district administration for not controlling prices in the open market saying that the price list issued by the authorities was not in effect in any of the shops.

“Nowadays, wholesalers and retailers, particularly of fruits and vegetables, were enjoying a free hand to fleece the consumers even on the Sunday bazaars the prices of vegetables and fruits continued their upward trend”, said Sadia Tariq a house wife.

She said Sasta Bazaars could only be useful if prices were checked by the administration and stern action was taken against the profiteers.

Babar a consumer said, “Hoarders were active and the city administration appear helpless before them again.”

The price lists issued by the local administration only a showpiece in the shops as the shopkeepers were not following the prescribed rate lists on the one pretext or the other, he said.

Apples are being sold between 200 to 250 kg, bananas (first class) Rs 150 to 200 dozen, strawberry Rs 200 per kg to 250 and oranges special between Rs 140 to 180 per dozen.

Similarly vegetables tomato being sold Rs 160 in retailer shops, ginger and garlic 200 Rs per kg, green chili Rs 280 while chicken is being sold Rs 180 in the different markets of Islamabad.

When contacted spokesman Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) said teams under the supervision of Assistant Commissioners were paying regular visits to different markets of the federal capital and stern actions were being taken against profiteers.

Shop keepers have been directed to display price lists at prominent places otherwise they would be penalized, he added.