In a sudden development, the district East administration in Karachi has imposed a ban on all bachat bazaars with immediate effect. The deputy commissioner of Karachi West Zone has taken the step to suspend the No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for all bachat bazaars across the district.
Organizers of these bazaars are required to obtain fresh NOCs from the district administration after completing a thorough verification process. This decision comes as a surprise and is likely to impact the weekly bachat bazaars, which have been serving as a means of providing relief to the public from the challenges of inflation.
Bachat bazaars, known for offering a variety of items such as used goods, shoes, clothes, blankets, utensils, food items, vegetables, and fruits, have played a crucial role in helping the public cope with rising prices. Approximately 150 bachat bazaars are set up in Karachi under the NOC of the Bureau of Supply and Prices, while an additional 100 bachat bazaars operate with the permission of Deputy Commissioners and regional savings bazaars without NOCs.
The sudden ban raises questions about the impact on the public, especially those who rely on these bazaars for affordable goods and groceries. The decision to suspend NOCs suggests a need for organizers to undergo a reevaluation process, possibly related to regulatory compliance or other considerations. The district administration’s move is expected to have implications for both vendors and residents who have come to depend on these bazaars for their daily needs.
