Crackdown on profiteering launched

CM forms PCMC to ensure implementation of official prices of food items

KARACHI:

The Sindh government has launched a drive to control prices of food items during the holy month of Ramazan.

In this regard, the Sindh chief minister has formed a Price Control Monitoring Committee (PCMC) with responsibilities to monitor prices in all markets and take action against profiteers and hoarders.

Following the CM's orders, the in-charge of PCMC for district south, Waqar Mehdi paid a surprise visit to Empress Market in Saddar area. He checked the prices and warned the shopkeepers against selling goods above prices notified by the provincial government. He warned that those indulging in overcharging the customers will not only be fined but will also be arrested and punished according to the law. He appealed the people to buy groceries at government rates and never buy food items without seeing the price list approved by the government.

Meanwhile, Waqar Mehdi informed media that the PCMC imposed fines of Rs443,000, Rs435,000 and Rs390,000 during the first three days of Ramazan. "Our goal is to bring maximum relief to the people," he said, adding that surprise visits were being paid to the markets so that prices could be monitored and people get essential items at reasonable rates. Mehdi urged the citizens to inform the price committee on 021-99244608 if they notice profiteering in any market.

Karachi commissioner

The Karachi Commissioner, Muhammad Iqbal Memon has directed all the deputy commissioners to ensure that consumers get groceries, fruits, vegetables, meat, bakery, poultry and dairy products and other food items at prices fixed by the city administration. He also directed DCs to take strict action under law against profiteers and violators of government's price lists.

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He said, price lists of all items are available on commissioner's website as well as on social media for the knowledge of shopkeepers, consumers and vendors. The prices have been fixed by the city administration with the coordination of bureau of supply and consent of and cooperation of representatives of traders and associations of whole sellers and retailers for the holy month of Ramazan.

In order to implement the official prices at Subzi Mandi, assistant commissioners have been asked to monitor on daily basis in coordination with committees. In this regard the commissioner has issued the duty rosters.

Sukkur

The Sukkur Commissioner, Ghulam Mustafa Phull has directed all deputy commissioners (DCs) and Assistant Commissioners (ACs) of the Sukkur, Khairpur and Ghotki districts to continue with the ongoing crackdown against profiteers in their respective districts and talukas and ensure implementation of official price lists.

Chairing a meeting, held to review market situation, he said that people must be provided maximum relief during the month of Ramazan.

Larkana

Similarly, a meeting of Larkana District Price Control Committee (DPCC) was held on Tuesday under the chairmanship of Larkana Deputy Commissioner, Tarique Manzoor Chandio at his office.

The DC asked the whole sellers and retailers of essential commodities that they should realise their legal and moral obligation and sell the essential commodities on the revised rates during the holy month of Ramzan and properly display the rate lists.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 6^th, 2022.