Fines worth Rs76,000 imposed on profiteers

The district administration conducted 1,581 raids in seven tehsils of the district to limit profiteering during the last 24 hours and imposed Rs 76,000 fines on 159 shopkeepers. Four shops were sealed during the raids.

A district administration spokesman said that Rawalpindi Division Commission Noorul Amin Mengal, while chairing a daily review meeting of price control inspections, directed the authorities concerned to accelerate their ongoing operations to limit profiteering, availability of daily use items and provide relief to the citizens.

The commissioner was informed that strict action in accordance with the law was being taken against profiteers and hoarders. Three violators were also put behind bars during the last 24 hours. The meeting was further informed that 397 raids were conducted in Gujar Khan Tehsil. Meanwhile, fines amounting to Rs 17,500 were imposed on 10 violators. Separately, 130 raids were conducted in Kahuta and fines were imposed on 17 violators.

Raids were also conducted in Kallar Syedan, Kotli Sattian, Murree, Taxila, Rawalpindi Cantt, Rawalpindi City and several other Rawalpindi Saddar division areas. Three violators were arrested, while four shops were sealed during operations against profiteers and hoarders.

The commissioner has instructed the officers concerned to visit different markets on a daily basis.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 2^nd, 2022.