By Zahiruddin
CHITRAL: The utility stores in Chitral are totally empty of the essential commodities including the most sough-after items including sugar, cooking oil, pulses, wheat flour, syrups, jams, washing powder in the absence of replenishment from the headquarters.
The people complained that when the Ramazanul Mubarak is drawing nearer, the utility stores are becoming empty of essential commodities which have been opened almost in all the hundred village councils of the district.
Sajjad Ahmed, the nazim of Jughoor village council, said that it is only tomato ketchup or tooth powder and many such other redundant items which can be had from the utility stores while the people are forced to purchase the commodities including sugar and pulses at higher prices from the local market.
He appreciated the role of the incumbent government for increasing the number of utility stores to manifold but he criticized it for its utter failure to replenish the stock.
The nazim said that the people of low income group derived benefit from the utility stores by purchasing the essential items at lower prices special in the holy month of Ramazanul Mubarak during which they used to get special discounts as well.
He said that apart from low prices, the people preferred the utility items of ghee, cooking oil, syrups, jams and other edibles for their standard and quality as they were comparatively free from contamination and adulteration.
The regional manager of Utility Stores Corporation, Shafiq Ahmed confirmed to Chitral Times that no fresh stock has been sent to the region since the last one and half months while the stock in the district warehouse has been exhausted totally.
He said that fresh stock may arrive here in the first week of Ramazan after which the necessary commodities will be made available in the local branches situated in all the village councils.
