Action against artificial price hike ordered
Tarin directed PBS to present a detailed variance analysis vis-a-vis weekly SPI highlighting food prices prevailing across mainstream cities and districts for real-time comparison. PHOTO: FILE
Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar ordered for launching a crackdown on those involved in artificial price hike and directed the provincial price control committees to take necessary steps against hoarders and illegal profiteers in the province.
In a statement, the CM directed the administration to actively work for providing substantial relief to the public. The DCs should personally monitor the price control steps and quality, as well as prices of essential items be regularly monitored in Sunday bazaars, he added.
The provincial cabinet committee for price control should ensure that essential items were available at fixed rates and action be initiated against those involved in artificial price hike, the CM added. People could not be left at the mercy of profiteers, and the profiteering mafia would not be allowed to act at will, he stressed.
Read PM reviews measures to reduce prices of essential commodities
The government would fully protect the interests of the common man and every possible step would be taken to give relief to masses, he affirmed. Necessary administrative steps would be taken to stabilise prices of essential items and no negligence would be tolerated in that regard.
An illegal increase in the prices of essential items would not be tolerated, concluded the CM. Meanwhile, The district administration imposed Rs559,000 worth of fines on 26 shopkeepers over profiteering and overcharging in various parts of the provincial capital.
The magistrates inspected around 345 points and three FIRs were got registered against the law violators.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 4th, 2021.