RAWALPINDI:
Amid increases in chicken prices, the Citizen Action Committee in Rawalpindi announced a boycott of chicken meat for 30 days, starting Sunday.
Chicken meat prices soared early in the New Year in the garrison city to record highs.
The Citizens Action Committee, led by President Malik Zaheer Awan, launched a social media campaign urging residents to boycott chicken and opt for vegetables.
“Our campaign aims to draw attention to this issue. Citizens must come together to break this cycle of exploitation,” Awan said.
The new surge has pushed meat as a raw material beyond the reach of the average consumer.
The increase has caused widespread frustration among residents.
The cost of chicken-based dishes, such as barbecue, roast and karahi, has also increased at restaurants across the city.
In the past three days, chicken prices have risen steadily, with chicken meat now selling for Rs 880 per kilogram in the city center and up to Rs 900 per kilogram in suburban areas.
Live chickens sell for Rs 500 per kilogram, a dramatic increase from Rs 280 just two weeks ago.
According to Malik Zahid, general secretary of the Poultry Association and Wholesale Distributors Organization, the rise in prices is attributed to the cold weather slowing the growth of chicks, resulting in high demand but low supply.
