Over Rs2.5m imposed in fines on profiteers

18 shopkeepers arrested during raids in different areas

SARGODHA: District administration, in its crackdown against violation of price control act and lockdown, inspected various business centres, shops, and imposed fines of Rs2,559,800 over violations.

According to district administration spokesperson, from May 1 to May 15, 46 magistrates in all seven tehsils had inspected 9,591 businesses centres, shops and imposed the fines on 1,382 shopkeepers over violation of SOPs and price control act.

An FIR had been registered against 18 shopkeepers while 18 others were arrested on the spot. He added that after the resumption of business activities for four days, the city had been under lockdown again for three days from May 15 and 98 traders were fined Rs176, 000 on the first day for violating it.

A total of Rs11,500 for eight violations during checking of 56 shops in Sillanwali, Rs9,500 on eight shopkeepers for lockdown violation in Sahiwal, Rs13,000 on eight shopkeepers in Shahpur and Rs8,500 on six traders in Bheera. As many as 12 shopkeepers in Bhalwal were fined Rs14,000.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 17^th, 2020.