ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa visited Ramazan bazaars on the fourth day of the holy month to review the prices of essential commodities and their availability.

District administrations of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have failed to enforce official prices and citizens seem to be left at the mercy of market forces.

The cities have witnessed a spike in the prices of vegetables, fruits, chicken and meat.

According to a press release, the chief commissioner was briefed that the prices of essential food items in Islamabad’s Ramzan bazaars were lower as compared to other cities. The claims could not be verified independently.

In the federal capital, potatoes were being sold at Rs53 per kg, tomatoes at Rs49 per kg, bananas at Rs190 per dozen, oranges at Rs184 per dozen, and pomegranates at Rs454 per kg, read the official statement.

The statement claimed that the commissioner was also informed that the prices of several other vegetables and fruits in Islamabad were also lower or equal to those in Lahore and other cities.

Mr Randhawa directed assistant commissioners and price control magistrates to ensure the availability of essential food items at official prices in their respective areas.

He directed that relevant officers should ensure their presence in the markets and Ramazan bazaars to promptly address public complaints.

“Providing affordable and quality essential food items is the top priority of the Islamabad district administration,” the chief commissioner was quoted as saying. — Staff Reporter