‘Ramazan Bazaars must not close before 6pm’

DCO says price control magistrates should keep up the drive against overcharging

BAHAWALPUR: District Coordination Officer Ehtisham Anwar said on Friday administrators of Ramazan Bazaars should ensure that the markets remained open till 6pm.

He issued the directions during a surprise visit to the Ramazan Bazaar in Meley Wali Gali. The DCO was told that 48 raids had been conducted and Rs69,700 fines were imposed on 49 shopkeepers found violating the Price Control Act. He said digital price boards should be installed to ensure accurate weighing of food items. ‘

‘Remain vigilant in the final days of Ramazan’



Rahim Yar Khan Additional District Collector Jameel Ahmad said price control magistrates should step up the crackdown against hoarders and profiteers in the final days of Ramazan. Addressing a meeting of assistant commissioners, Ahmed said the district administration should maintain its momentum in the drive against profiteers. “Ramazan is drawing to a close. This is the time to remain vigilant,” he said.

He said price control magistrates in Rahim Yar Khan had taken action against 1,198 vendors and imposed Rs5.11900 million fines.



He said 11,466 business centres were checked. “As many as 65 vendors were caught overcharging and selling substandard food last week,” he said.

He urged price control magistrates to maintain the pace of the drive.

“We have strict instructions from the DCO in this regard. Efforts of the entire month will be wasted if we are negligent now.”

Published in The Express Tribune, July 2^nd, 2016.