RAWALPINDI – The visitors are being fleeced with high prices particularly of edibles at public parks in Rawalpindi as a large number of visitors have complained that shopkeepers at Ayub Park, Nawaz Sharif Park and Jinnah Park are not following the prescribed rate lists and charging from customers on their own.
They seemed perturbed over sky-rocketing prices of edible items being sold at stalls of these parks while authorities concerned looked least interested to address the problem. The rates of chips, biscuits, burgers, soft drinks, mineral water and other items were almost double as compared to open markets.
A visitor Aftab alleged that there was no check on the prices of food and other items available in the tourist resorts including Ayub Park, Nawaz Sharif Park, Jinnah Park and other city parks. While, the families visiting the parks of the city complained that over charging, sale of substandard food items and non-availability of quality products are main cause of concern. The vendors take full benefit to the situation as the concerned authorities failed to control the quality and rates of the commodities.
People demanded of the authorities to take action against the violators and those fleecing the tourists. When contacted, an official told this news agency that the park management regularly checks the quality and prices of edible items being sold in vicinity of city public parks. He said the administration takes stern action against those shopkeepers who found involved in selling substandard items or over charging.
A vendor at Ayub Park admitting the over charging said, “It is difficult for us to sale the items at the open market rates as we have to pay the rent of the stall which is high as compared to markets”.
The visitors also complained of the high entry fee at Ayub Park with enhanced parking fee being charged from visitors. People were seeing arguing with the gate-keeper that why the rate is so high, while the staff deployed at the main gate said they have nothing to do with fixation of fee, adding, it is the decision of the administration.
The families visiting Ayub park have to pay extra money from Rs 30 to 50 when they plan to visit different areas of the park like “Jungle Kingdom.” They said after charging heavy entry fee, the security guards do not accept responsibility in case of any incident of vehicle theft.
They said, “The Park authority has written clearly at the board displayed at the entry of the gate that the authorities is only taking entry fee and is not responsible for the security of the vehicles.” Another visitor Asif who came to park along with his family said, “It is very difficult for me to enter special place made for children and families due to high charges.”
He demanded the authority to look into the matter and try to ensure free entry for children and families with supply of edibles on controlled rates.