KARACHI – In a bid to protect citizens from the soaring prices during the holy month of Ramadan, the Commissioner of Karachi has announced a dedicated helpline to report overpricing and profiteering.
The Inflation Challenge
While inflation remains a persistent issue in Pakistan, the arrival of Ramadan often sees a sharp, artificial spike in the cost of essential goods. Daily commodities—especially fruits—frequently see their prices double overnight, leaving the middle and lower-income classes struggling to break their fasts within budget.
Helpline 1299: How to Report
To counter this “inflation genie,” Commissioner Karachi, Syed Hassan Naqvi, has established a central complaint cell at the Commissioner Office. Citizens can now report overcharging by dialing the helpline number 1299. The Commissioner has urged residents to proactively report any shopkeepers or vendors charging above the official government rate list, assuring that relevant authorities will take immediate, on-the-spot action against violators.
Crackdown in Action
The administration has already intensified its enforcement. On the third day of Ramadan, a city-wide crackdown resulted in 255 shopkeepers being penalized for overcharging, with total fines exceeding Rs. 2.62 million (2,627,000). The Karachi Fact team encourages citizens to use the 1299 helpline to ensure fair pricing remains a priority throughout the holy month.
