Monitoring report: 213 traders held for overcharging

As many as 8,511 shops and businesses in 1,698 markets were raided by price control magistrates across the province


Our Correspondent June 20, 2016
As many as 8,511 shops and businesses in 1,698 markets were raided by price control magistrates across the province. PHOTO: SHAHBAZ MALIK

LAHORE: As many as 1,428 places in the city were raided by price control magistrates on Monday. Those caught overcharging customers and hoarding edibles were fined Rs85,500. Magistrates took into custody 213 traders in 136 FIRs registered on other violations.

These statistics were stated in a Ramazan Monitoring Report for the day.

The report stated that the highest number of violations were recorded in Rahim Yar Khan district where Rs263,000 fines were imposed on those caught violating the law. The lowest number of violations was reported from Toba Tek Singh district. The amount of fines imposed on those caught violating the law was Rs7,000.

As many as 8,511 shops and businesses in 1,698 markets were raided by price control magistrates across the province. The report said that 1,554 shopkeepers were fined (Rs1.75 million) for overcharging customers and 44 vendors for adulterating food items. Of these, 287 were arrested in around 210 FIRs. In 2,194 raids, 145 traders found giving short measure were caught. The weight and measures inspectors noted 248 other violations during these raids.  Meanwhile on Monday, the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) sealed four beverage distributors in Shahalam Market for their failure to produce purchase receipts to the raiding teams. A PFA food safety officer said these businesses had huge stocks of imported beverages and energy drinks but could not show any proof of purchase. Beverage samples were collected and sent for laboratory examination.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 21st, 2016.

COMMENTS

Replying to X

Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.

For more information, please see our Comments FAQ