‘Price control committee to meet twice a month’
Commissioner Rawalpindi Noorul Amin Mengal has instructed that a meeting of the district price control committee should be convened at least twice a month to monitor prices.
“The price hike phenomenon is undoubtedly linked with the global situation of petroleum goods, but we will not allow anyone to take undue advantage of this situation,” declared Mengal.
The official also directed the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of the four districts to ensure the participation of market committee members and administration officers in the bidding process in the market.
He ordered strict action against hoarders creating artificial inflation and issued directives to maintain DC counters at all stores while ensuring quality to provide relief to the people.
Mengal was informed that during the last 24 hours, a total of 1,603 inspections took place in the Rawalpindi district, during which 147 violations were reported and a total amount of Rs111,000 was imposed in fines besides three buildings being sealed and two persons being arrested.
Read: Rising prices of food items go unchecked
During 382 inspections in Gujjar Khan tehsil, a total fine of Rs6,500 was slapped for six violations, while Assistant Commissioner Kahuta Seemal Mushtaq and her staff carried out 95 inspections, concluding the day with fines of Rs13,000 for eight violations.
In Kallar Syedan, a fine of Rs4,000 was imposed in 17 violations out of 182 inspections, while no violation was found during 49 inspections at Kotli Sattiyan.
As many as 93 inspections were conducted in Murree tehsil, with 10 violations being uncovered that resulted in fines of Rs4,000 and a sealed building.
Some 251 raids carried out in the Rawalpindi cantonment led to the discovery of 26 violations, after which fines amounting to Rs31,000 were imposed.
Published in The Express Tribune, March 1st, 2022.