MANSEHRA: Residents have criticised the district administration over `failure` to check profiteering by fish stalls along the Karakoram Highway and Abbottabad Road here.

`There is no proper check by the district administration and food department on fish sellers allowing them to receive higher fish prices,` resident Mohammad Shahid told reporters.

Fish stalls, set up along Karakoram Highway and Abbottabad Road from Khatain Da Galla to College Doraha, as well as in the city along Abbottabad Road and Khaki Road have been selling various species of fish at prices 50 per cent higher than the market rate.

`These vendors are overcharging for both cooked and uncooked fish,`he said.

Mr Shahid said fried fish was sold for Rs800-Rs1000 per kg, while uncooked fish was being sold for Rs650-Rs800 per kg.

Another buyer, Sadagat Ali, said the fish stalls, which only operated during the winter season, earned millions while evading taxes.

`Despite making large profits, they continue to sell fish at high prices,` he said, alleging the use of substandardcooking oil.

Mr Ali pointed out that there was a signifi e a n t increase as compared with last year.

` Ch in a fried fish was sold forRs280-Rs300 per kg, but this year, it is sold for Rs800 per kg.

He also said Rahu fish, which was priced between Rs290 and Rs300 per kg last year, was being sold at Rs800 or more per kg.

Theresident urged the district administration and the food department to take action against those profiteers to their relief.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Army, Rescue 1122 and police department on Monday held a joint mock exercise in connection with their properness to thwart terrorists attack anywhere in Lower Kohistan.

`This joint exercise is a message to anti-Pakistan elements that our forces are ready to thwart any aggression if inflicted on our soil,` district police officer Mohammad Umar said, according to a news release issued by the police department.

The joint exercise, which was unusual in the Kohistan region, where Chinese companies have been executing mega energy and other development projects was held in BankudRanolia-Chakai Circle and officers and personnel of the army, police and Rescue 1122 exhibited their professional abilities to thwart the enemy`s designs during a terrorist attack.

The personnel injured during the operation were also shifted to a nearby health facility.

`We also determined our response period during this mock exercise as we have been protecting locals and foreigners travelling through Karakoram Highway,` Mr Umar said.

He said though it was a mock exercise, theforces exhibited their strong resolve to remain on high alert and thwart any aggression if perpetrated by terrorists anywhere in the district.

The DPO urged people to support the police in the fight against anti-state elements.