MURREE, Feb 24 (APP): The district administration of Murree has intensified its price control campaign during the holy month of Ramazan to ensure essential items are sold at government-approved rates and to curb profiteering, officials said on Tuesday.
The action was taken under the special directives of Deputy Commissioner Murree Agha Zaheer Abbas Shirazi. Price control magistrates, with personnel from the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) and administration officials, inspected main and adjoining markets, including Chatha Mor, Ghoda Gali, Bansra Gali, Company Bagh, Treat, Upper Numbal and Numbal Board Gali, checking prices, quality and availability of official rate lists.
Violations of government-approved rates were dealt with on the spot. Several shopkeepers were fined, while others received stern warnings. The officials emphasised that all essential goods must be sold according to prescribed rates and that price lists should be prominently displayed to ensure transparency and keep consumers informed.
The administration also conducted surprise inspections of vegetable, fruit, grocery and meat shops, addressing complaints related to overcharging, under-weighing and hoarding. Legal action was initiated against some violators.
Deputy Commissioner Shirazi instructed officers to make the price control campaign more effective and maintain daily market monitoring so that citizens could access essential items at fair prices. He warned that profiteering or hoarding during Ramazan would not be tolerated and that strict legal action would follow any violations.
The officials reiterated that the administration was committed to providing genuine relief to the public during Ramazan, treating citizen service as a form of worship. Citizens were urged to report any instances of overcharging immediately so that responsible parties could be held accountable.