Flour price-hike case: Who are responsible: CJ PHC inquires

Humayun Khan

PESHAWAR: During hearing in case regarding price hike in flour, Chief Justice Peshawar High Court Justice Qaiser Rashid remarked that country going in bad condition because import of expensive wheat and sugar while Pakistan is self-sufficient in wheat and sugar as an agriculture country, on Thursday.

Chief Justice also remarked that import of wheat, sugar and devaluing of Pakistani currency will mostly effect poor people who are already unable to obtain food for one time a day. He inquired that who shall be responsible for the situation?
The two-member bench comprising of Chief Justice PHC Justice Qaiser Rashid and Justice Abdul Shakoor was hearing petition of Faisal stating that at this time country is facing crisis of wheat and uncontrolled price hike.

Additional Advocate General Syed Sikandar Hayat Shah informed PHC that prices of flour and sugar are in government controlled and imported edible items shall also be provided on control prices to public. He further informed that district administrations along with food department conducting operation against profiteers across the province.

Chief Justice Qaiser Rashid remarked that poor man cannot afford food for one time a day and situation is worrying day by day. He also remarked that if a man purchase bread but due to inflation, quality and price it cannot be affordable for him.
Chief Justice remarked that what are doing the government? And expensive imported sugar will be available at high price because there is no mechanism for control of prices.

The two-member bench directed administration and food department to constitute a mechanism for controlling prices, to take action against hoarder, profiteers and also directed to implement previous directives of honorable court while adjourned further hearing.