MULTAN, Mar 03 (APP):Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of Punjab for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Salma Butt, paid an official visit to Multan where she led a comprehensive crackdown against profiteering during the holy month of Ramadan.
Accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Nauman Siddique, Salma Butt conducted surprise inspections in major markets including Gulgasht, Mumtazabad and Ghanta Ghar. During the operation, Ideal Shopping Mall was sealed for overpricing, multiple shopkeepers were fined, and strict warnings were issued to violators. Action was also taken at DC price control counters for selling essential commodities at inflated rates.
Addressing a press conference, Salma Butt stated that a decisive province-wide crackdown is underway to ensure relief for citizens during Ramadan. She revealed that across Punjab, fines amounting to Rs 50 million have been imposed and 477 FIRs registered against profiteers. In Multan alone, Rs 9.2 million in fines have been collected and 25 cases registered so far.
She further highlighted that over 150,000 citizens are breaking their fast daily at 421 Ramadan Nigehban Dastarkhwans across Punjab. Meanwhile, Ramadan Nigehban Cards worth Rs 40 billion are being distributed to 4.1 million families throughout the province.
Salma Butt emphasized that Chief Minister Punjab personally monitors the prices of key commodities such as potatoes, onions and tomatoes every morning. She added that strict monitoring of wholesale markets (mandis) is being ensured, proper supply records are being maintained, and measures are being taken to stabilize prices of essential items including milk, yogurt, mutton and beef.
The Special Assistant noted that visible reductions in prices of vegetables, pulses and sugar are already being observed. She confirmed that shopkeepers involved in hoarding and profiteering have been arrested.
She thanked the business community and philanthropists for supporting the Chief Minister’s Ramadan initiatives, adding that 74 Ramadan Bazaars have been established across Punjab to facilitate citizens.
“Today, citizens’ rights are being delivered at their doorstep,” she concluded.