ISLAMABAD: Residents have raised concerns over the alleged sale of rotten and substandard fruits and vegetables at the officially designated “DC Counter” inside Gilani Mart in Soan Garden, Islamabad.
According to shoppers and photographs shared from the outlet, bananas, apples, mangoes and several vegetables appeared visibly damaged or deteriorated. Residents claimed that the produce was being sold at rates approved by the Islamabad district administration despite concerns about its quality and suitability for consumption.
The claims could not be independently verified, and no immediate response was available from Gilani Mart or the Islamabad district administration.
Questions Raised Over Quality Checks at DC Counter
DC counters are established at selected retail outlets to provide essential food items at government-notified prices and protect consumers from overcharging. The reported condition of the produce at the Soan Garden outlet, however, has raised questions about the monitoring of both price and quality standards.
Shoppers said affordable prices should not come at the cost of food safety. Some residents claimed that families already struggling with rising living costs were being offered poor-quality items under the cover of officially controlled rates.
“The purpose of a DC counter is to provide relief to consumers, but the products must also be fresh and safe,” one resident said.
Residents Demand Inspection and Action
People living in Soan Garden have urged the Islamabad district administration and relevant food-safety authorities to inspect Gilani Mart and other retail outlets operating DC counters.
They have also demanded action against businesses found selling spoiled, unhygienic or unfit food products and called for more frequent checks to ensure compliance with government standards.
Residents said authorities should introduce clear accountability measures for shopkeepers operating official price counters, including regular inspections and immediate removal of damaged produce.
The controversy has highlighted the need for DC counters to provide not only affordable products but also food that meets acceptable standards of freshness, hygiene and public safety.
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