ISLAMABAD, Feb 21 (APP): Islamabad’s district administration has arrested 40 shopkeepers, imposed Rs 97,000 in fines, and sealed nine shops during Ramazan, after inspections found food items being sold above official rates and price lists missing.
According to the spokesman of ICT administration here, the authority has continued its action against overpricing during Ramazan, carrying out inspections across markets and bazaars in the federal capital. The drive is being led through price control magistrates, who are checking rates, monitoring compliance, and taking action where violations are found.
Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon said providing relief to citizens during Ramazan is the top priority of the district administration. He stated that strict monitoring is being carried out across the city to ensure that essential food items are sold at official prices and that shopkeepers follow the rules issued by the administration.
He added that any violation of price control measures will result in immediate action. The deputy commissioner said there would be no break in operations against overpricing and that inspections would continue throughout Ramazan. He stressed that enforcement teams have been instructed to act on the spot where violations are detected.
The deputy commissioner also appealed to citizens to play their role in the enforcement process. He urged buyers to report any instance where shopkeepers charge more than the notified rates or fail to display price lists. Complaints can be made directly to price control magistrates so that quick action can be taken.
Officials said the purpose of the crackdown is to ensure that essential food items remain accessible at official prices during Ramadan. The administration believes that strict enforcement, combined with public cooperation, can help control prices and discourage overcharging practices.
The Islamabad district administration has made it clear that inspections will continue without interruption. Teams will keep visiting markets, shops, and Ramadan bazaars to check prices and ensure compliance with the rate lists. Authorities say further arrests, fines, and sealing of shops may follow if violations continue.
The administration has reiterated that price control laws are in place to protect consumers, especially during Ramazan, when demand for food items increases. Traders have been warned to follow the notified rates and display price lists clearly to avoid legal action.