KARACHI – The Sindh High Court (SHC) on Wednesday heard a petition filed by milk shop owners regarding profit margins and milk pricing issues. The case focused on rising milk prices and alleged action against retailers.
During the hearing, the SHC reviewed concerns raised by milkmen about low profits. The petitioners said retailers are struggling due to fixed pricing. They requested an increase in profit margins to manage business costs.
The lawyer representing the government requested more time to submit a reply. The court accepted the request and postponed further arguments.
The SHC also discussed complaints about milk shop closures. The petitioner’s lawyer argued that authorities are sealing shops under sanitary concerns. He requested the court to stop such actions against milk retailers.
The bench questioned the arguments during the hearing. The SHC asked whether the lawyer had personally consumed milk from these shops. The court also made remarks about milk quality in the city.
The SHC observed concerns about milk adulteration in Karachi. The judges suggested that poor quality milk is widely available in the market. They stressed the importance of maintaining proper food standards.
The petitioner argued that shopkeepers are forced into adulteration due to low profit margins. He said that when rates are not fair, business owners face pressure.
The court replied that adulteration can be tested through simple methods like boiling milk. The SHC also commented that quality issues can be identified easily.
The hearing included light remarks from the bench. The judge said they could identify adulterated milk by smell if brought to court. These comments highlighted concerns about food safety standards.
The SHC adjourned the case until May 05 for further hearing. The court directed the government to submit its official response before the next date.
Earlier, milk prices were increased by Rs20 per litre. The Commissioner of Karachi had set new rates. The dairy farmer price was fixed at Rs215 per litre, wholesale at Rs225, and retail at Rs240.
Officials said the decision followed a meeting with dairy farmers. The group argued that production costs had increased significantly. They demanded higher prices to cover expenses.
In other news read more about What Did SHC Order in the Latest Karachi Missing Persons Hearing?
The SHC will continue hearing the matter in the next session. The case remains under judicial review as both sides present their arguments.
