Shopkeepers in Rawalpindi Reject Official Prices for Chicken

Chicken sellers in Rawalpindi have openly defied the district administration’s official pricing, selling chicken at inflated rates and taking advantage of the public. Chicken meat is being sold for as much as Rs740 to Rs790 per kilogram, significantly higher than the official price of Rs595 per kilogram set by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Hasan Waqar Cheema.

This overcharging, particularly widespread in areas like Adiala Road, has been ongoing for more than four months, with little intervention from the district administration.

Although DC Rawalpindi issued Notification Number IPWM/RWP/G-42, which established prices for essential goods including chicken, most shopkeepers have ignored these directives. The notification also warned of strict action against those violating the price list, but enforcement has been largely absent.

The issue isn’t limited to chicken sellers. Vegetable vendors, grocers, bakers, and sweets sellers are also hiking prices, often making over 200% profit on certain items and refusing to sell goods at the official rates. The public is bearing the brunt of what they describe as ‘man-made’ inflation, driven by the district administration’s inaction.

The DC’s price list sets rates for White Chana at Rs300 per kilogram, Daal Chana at Rs345, Daal Moong at Rs300, Daal Masoor at Rs275, Daal Mash at Rs500, rice at Rs270, milk between Rs270 and Rs290, yogurt at Rs200, mutton at Rs1600, and beef at Rs800. However, profiteers are ignoring these official rates, selling items at inflated prices and maximizing their profits without facing consequences.

Frustrated locals have criticized the situation, blaming administrative negligence for the artificially high prices. Many believe profiteers are exploiting the lack of enforcement, and while the district administration continues to issue price lists, little is being done to ensure compliance.

Residents are calling for stronger action from local authorities to curb the unchecked profiteering and hoarding that are severely affecting their daily lives. They demand effective measures to control inflation and bring much-needed relief to the public.