As flood affectees in Sindh wait desperately for relief in the form of shelter and food, profiteers are having a field day at their expense by pricing essentials like tents and vegetables out of reach with no check and balance from the government whatsoever donated to him.
Naveed Ali Baig, who heads Al-Khidmat, Karachi, said that presently tents were priced anywhere between Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000. “However, even at these prices there is a shortage. In some markets tents have totally disappeared and are not even available at double the price,” informed Baig. Similarly, Asif Iqbal, member of a local group of philanthropists, informed that it was nearly impossible to find tents in Karachi at the moment.
Abdul Rasheed, a local who is helping out flood affectees, was of the view that the tents are available but only at the right price. “If you can cough up between Rs 10,000 and Rs 28,000 then you will certainly find the tents,” remarked Rasheed. He further alleged that even the tents given by welfare organizations and the government were being sold in the market. “The profiteers have left no stone unturned in exploiting those providing relief efforts.” Volunteer of a local welfare organisation, Zaid, concurring with the allegations, added that even plastic sheet tents were being sold for Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000. “Not only the tents but even mosquito nets which were previously for Rs 300 are now being sold for Rs 1,500,” Zaid said in disgust.
