BAHAWALNAGAR, Feb 23 (APP): In an aggressive and wide-ranging drive during Ramazan, the district administration of Bahawalnagar has significantly intensified its crackdown against profiteers and hoarders, conducting thousands of inspections across the district. According to official figures, price control magistrates carried out raids on 7,980 shops; consequently, strict action was initiated against violators found overcharging consumers.
As a result of the extensive inspections, 50 shopkeepers were arrested for profiteering, while 15 shops were sealed over serious violations. Furthermore, First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered in multiple cases to ensure legal proceedings move forward swiftly. Authorities imposed fines exceeding Rs2.8 million on those involved in unfair pricing practices; meanwhile, nearly 1,500 shopkeepers were formally warned to comply with officially notified rates.
Deputy Commissioner Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhon while exclusively talking to APP, stated that 48 price control magistrates are actively and consistently participating in the district-wide operation. He added that dedicated control rooms have been established at each tehsil headquarters; therefore, citizens can promptly lodge complaints and seek immediate redress. The administration, he emphasized, is monitoring market activity vigilantly to prevent exploitation during the holy month.
Officials reiterated that the crackdown would continue rigorously and indiscriminately against all elements involved in hoarding and overcharging. Moreover, they stressed that no leniency would be shown to repeat offenders, as consumer protection remains a top priority.