Pakistan, Aug. 4 -- Consumers in Punjab continue to struggle with rising prices on perishable food items, including vegetables, poultry, and fruits. Despite government efforts to fix rates and control prices, many markets charge significantly higher amounts.

For example, the government set the price of live chicken between Rs374 and Rs388 per kilogram, but consumers reported paying up to Rs480. Similarly, chicken meat was priced at Rs562 per kilogram officially but sold for Rs570 to Rs640, with boneless chicken reaching Rs1,200 per kilogram in some areas.

Vegetable prices have also surged sharply. A-grade potatoes officially cost Rs80-85 per kilogram but were sold at Rs140-150. Onions doubled from Rs50-55 to Rs100, and tomatoes jumped f...