A significant surge of prices has been reported on the Pakistan Citizen’s Portal by the public at the tuck-shops all along M-1 and M-2. According to PMDU’s policy-desk, commuters have lamented that prices being charged at various rest areas’ shops are much higher than market prices. The items specifically reported with high prices include beverages among other consumables and grocery items. In majority of the complaints, not only locations of the shops are specifically mentioned but also the items with prices charged. According to the policy-desk a very high and unjustified profit ratio is being maintained and prices being charged are high to unreasonable extent. The analysis further says that instances of actions/fines by the district administration concerned have also been reported but once in a blue moon and no regular mechanism exists for checks.
The Prime Minister has already taken a serious note of all kinds of price-hike in the country and has been consistently chairing meetings to review price control initiatives. Adhering to this, the Prime Minister has directed that the issue in hand shall be taken-up at higher level and strict action shall be initiated to curb the practice of charging excessive prices on tuck-shops located on all motorway rest areas. Zone-wise dedicated teams/staff shall be deputed by NHA to maintain regular check on the prices with the support of the district administration concerned.
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