RAWALPINDI, Feb 23 (APP): The district administration has intensified its crackdown on profiteering and hoarding during the holy month of Ramazan, conducting random raids on shops and markets to ensure compliance with subsidized food item prices.
According to official sources, price control magistrates, assistant commissioners and field teams have been issued standing directives to adopt zero tolerance against violations. Public representatives are also making regular market visits to ensure that government-fixed rates are being implemented in letter and spirit.
Meanwhile, Commissioner Rawalpindi Division Aamir Khattak, while chairing a meeting on price control measures, directed authorities to strictly enforce official rates and ensure uninterrupted supply of essential commodities across the district. He emphasized that provision of relief to citizens remains the top priority and instructed price magistrates to remain active in the field.
In Murree, the local administration has also stepped up monitoring by verifying rate lists, ensuring their prominent display and keeping control rooms fully functional for prompt redressal of public complaints.
The Government of Punjab has made it clear that no shopkeeper will be allowed to charge above government-notified rates. Under special arrangements, chicken meat will be available at all Sahulat Bazaars at a subsidy of Rs 15 per kilogram. At the same time, eggs will be provided at a concession of Rs 10 per dozen.
It was highlighted that the Pakistan Poultry Association is providing subsidy funds, ensuring that there is no additional burden on the public exchequer.
Public representatives have also been directed to regularly visit Sahulat Bazaars to monitor implementation of notified prices.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Salma Butt, visited various bazaars in Rawalpindi and stressed that ensuring public relief requires collective efforts from the administration as well as traders and suppliers. She reiterated that strict action would be taken against those found violating official price lists.
Ramazan Crackdown: 9,418 Inspections, Rs 2.38m Fines as Rawalpindi Tightens Price Control. The district administration carried out 9,418 inspections across till February 22, in which 449 violations were detected during the first four days of Ramazan. Imposing cumulative fines of over Rs 2,385,000.0, registered 14 cases, sealed 150 shops and business centres, and arrested 165 individuals for overcharging and other violations.
According to divisional figures, 6,532 inspections were conducted across the division in the last 24 hours, with violations found at 762 locations. Authorities imposed fines of Rs 1,215,503, registered four cases, arrested 97 individuals and sealed 73 premises.
District-wise data revealed that in Rawalpindi district alone, 2,550 inspections resulted in 146 violations, Rs 734,003 in fines, two cases, 52 arrests and 61 sealed buildings. In Attock, 330 violations were recorded during 1,336 inspections, leading to Rs 148,500 in fines and 23 arrests.
The administration reiterated that profiteering, hoarding and non-display of official rate lists will not be tolerated. Shopkeepers have been directed to prominently display government-issued rate lists; failing which, strict legal action will be taken.
Under special arrangements during Ramazan, chicken meat is being made available at Sahulat Bazaars at a subsidy of Rs. 15 per kilogram. At the same time, eggs are being sold at Rs 10 per dozen with concessions. The Pakistan Poultry Association is financing the subsidy, ensuring no additional burden on the public exchequer.
The administration has urged citizens to report overcharging and violations to district control rooms and helplines to ensure immediate action under the zero-tolerance policy.