KARACHI - The price of different varieties of meat has hiked in the metropolis, while the government apparently seems unable to bring down them, The Nation learnt through a brief market survey. It is learnt that the price of beef without bones in the local market is being sold with the cost of Rs 240 per kg while Rs. 220 with bones. Similarly, the price of mutton is Rs 340 per kilogram. It is noteworthy that there is fluctuation in the meat prices in different localities of the city, and at some posh areas these prices are comparatively higher. Enterprise and Investment Promotion E&IP department of CDGK is seemingly unaware of such price hike as it has been noticed that no control over meat prices is in full swing. 'This variation is perhaps because customers will pay the butchers their demanded amount. It shows lack of good governess in the city, as price control departments are there in the city but they are diametrically unaware of their duties, said a person at the meat shop sarcastically. A meat shopkeeper when asked said 'The prices of meat have hiked in the local market because of the fact that meat is being smuggled from the country without keeping view its pros and cons. Moreover, meat consumption in the country is greater than its production. He further said that this demand and supply gap was largely affecting the business as they have been demanding the government to resolve the issue by increasing the security measures on the borders in order to stop illegal shift of meat. 'It is hard to have meat in our regular diet. The price of meat is almost out of reach for the general public. If we cook it for one time only, it will upset our monthly budget. Would it be possible for a family of 7 people with the total income of Rs. 7000 a month to have meat even for their one meal? asked a lady. She said that the time is to come when the masses would see meat hanging at the shops and the shop keepers waiting for the customers to come and purchase. It is worth recalling that the condition of slaughter houses in the city is poor and quite unhygienic. In most of the places no substantial measures have been taken regarding the cleanliness of the place. The matter of such importance about the public health should be taken up seriously by the government. The transportation of meat also need serious consideration from the government as it is delivered to the shops through open vans.