Price magistrates conduct 1,336 raids

Send three hoarders to jail for three days

RAWALPINDI: Price control magistrates have conducted 1,336 raids against profiteers and hoarders in Rawalpindi during the last two days, said an official statement of the district administration on Thursday.

Using the powers of summary trials, these magistrates sent three hoarders behind bars for three days and penalised 213 profiteers.

A cumulative fine of Rs3.8 million was imposed on various profiteers and hoarders by these price control magistrates. According to the district administration spokesman, following the special directives of Punjab government, teams were constituted to conduct raids against hoarders, profiteers, food adulterers and Covid-19 SOPs violators during Ramazan.

Price Control Cell set up to rein in profiteering

Over 16,500 raids were conducted at different markets during April and the administration imposed fines on 2,489 shopkeepers for violating the law, he said adding, various persons found involved in profiteering, not displaying price lists and violating hygiene standards were arrested.

On the recommendation of the raiding team, 17 cases were also registered against the accused and they were sent behind the bars in respective police stations. He said the raids would continue and the violators of the law would not be spared.

He said that special campaign against profiteering would continue to ensure the provision of daily use items on controlled rates.

The steps are being taken aimed at providing relief to the consumers particularly during the holy month of Ramazan, he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 1^st, 2020.