Dera Ismail Khan, Feb 22 (APP): In an intensified drive to ensure public relief, price stability and quality food supply during the holy month of Ramazan, the district administration of Dera Ismail Khan carried out coordinated inspections, market supervision and welfare initiatives across the district, taking strict action against profiteers and illegal operators while facilitating fasting citizens.
Acting on the directives of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Assistant Commissioner Paroa sealed an illegally established petrol agency in Paroa Bazaar, while inspections of general stores, bakeries, vegetable and fruit shops and butcher outlets led to fines amounting to Rs25,000 over profiteering and violations of the official price list, with strict warnings issued to ensure compliance.
In a parallel move, Additional Assistant Commissioner Sajid Ali Khan supervised the transparent auction of vegetables and fruits at Ratta Kulachi Sabzi Mandi, reviewed on-the-spot price fixation and issued official rate lists to ensure essential commodities were sold at government-notified prices, while also improving cleanliness and traffic management in the market.
On a citizen’s complaint, a special team led by Assistant Commissioner (Revenue) inspected alleged milk adulteration through digital and chemical testing; however, the milk and related products were found fit for consumption with no adulteration detected.
Meanwhile, in Old Sabzi Mandi and Jogian Wala Bazaar, fines amounting to Rs53,000 were imposed for faulty weights, non-display of rate lists and overcharging; five naan shops were sealed and five vendors were arrested for further legal action.
In addition to enforcement measures, the district administration arranged Iftar and Sehri dastarkhwans at hospitals, shelter homes, inter-provincial routes and key tehsil points to facilitate travelers, deserving individuals and other fasting citizens.
Officials said that special Ramazan monitoring teams would remain active in markets and bazaars throughout the holy month to ensure strict compliance with price control regulations and quality standards.
They reiterated that profiteering, hoarding and adulteration would not be tolerated under any circumstances, adding that the administration was fully committed to protecting consumers’ rights, ensuring the availability of essential commodities at notified rates and providing maximum relief to citizens during Ramazan.