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RAWALPINDI, Jan 14 (APP):Commissioner Rawalpindi Engineer Ameer Khattak on Wednesday emphasised the need to strengthen the price control mechanism, focusing on regulating prices in Rawalpindi and Murree, particularly during the peak tourist season, to prevent exploitation.
Chairing a review meeting to assess the performance of price control magistrates in the Rawalpindi Division, the commissioner was joined by deputy commissioners from Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, and Murree, along with assistant commissioners, price control magistrates, and relevant department officials. The session centred on ensuring strict enforcement of price controls.
Commissioner Khattak stressed that providing relief to the public from rising prices remains a top priority for the district administration. He called for a more effective and proactive approach to regulate prices, especially in tourist areas, where price hikes often impact visitors.
The commissioner directed that magistrates be deployed in critical markets in Rawalpindi and Murree to ensure continuous monitoring and prevent exploitation during the busy tourist season. He also insisted that actions against profiteering and hoarding must be carried out indiscriminately, with government-approved price lists prominently displayed and strictly enforced across all markets.
In the past 24 hours, 5,531 inspections were carried out across Rawalpindi Division, uncovering 460 price violations, resulting in fines totalling Rs. 445,000, the sealing of nine buildings, and the arrest of 15 individuals.
Details of inspections include:
Rawalpindi District: 2,671 inspections, 25 violations, Rs. 306,500 in fines, seven buildings sealed, and seven arrests.
Attock District: 1,006 inspections, 272 violations, Rs. 96,500 in fines, and four arrests.
Jhelum District: 699 inspections, 72 violations, Rs. 10,500 in fines, one building sealed, and one arrest.
Chakwal District: 805 inspections, 30 violations, and Rs. 26,500 in fines.
Murree District: 350 inspections, 61 violations, Rs. 5,000 in fines, and three arrests.