RAWALPINDI:

The Grocery Merchants Association has announced a complete halt in the sale of all essential grocery items with government-mandated prices from April 1.

However, in respect of Ramazan and Eidul Fitr, the protest has been postponed until after the festival.

The government has refused to accept the association’s demands, according to its president, Saleem Parvez Butt.

He stated that while officials were presented with their grievances, they appeared powerless to take action.

“There has never been a proper mechanism to regulate the prices of essential commodities in Pakistan’s 77-year history,” Butt said. “Retailers already operate on minimal profit margins.

For example, we are given a mere Rs3 profit per kilogram of sugar, while transportation and handling costs amount to Rs12 per kg. This is unsustainable.”

The association has vowed to escalate protests in April.

In the first phase, all government-regulated items, including sugar, will be completely withdrawn from sale. “Let the Deputy Commissioners set up stalls outside their offices to sell these products,” Butt added.