Provincial, dist price control panels formed
Experts have highlighted two major reasons for Pakistan’s record-high inflation reading of 36.4% in April: the sharp devaluation of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar and the global rise in commodity prices. Photo: file
In a move aimed at implementing robust mechanisms to curb artificial price hikes and profiteering, Governor Muhammad Balighur Rehman promulgated the Punjab Price Control of Essential Commodities Ordinance 2023 on Saturday.
The ordinance outlines the establishment of the Price Control Council and district price control committees, with the deputy commissioners serving as the controllers of prices and supplies. The provincial controller general, as per the ordinance, will be the secretary of industries, commerce, investment and skills development.
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The Price Control Council, chaired by the minister for industry and commerce, will comprise as members the ministers of agriculture and food, chief secretary, secretaries of relevant departments and deputy commissioners, who will notify the district price control committees.
Tasked with reviewing essential commodities’ prices and overseeing compliance with the ordinance, the price control committees will issue instructions to ensure effective implementation.
The ordinance declares that essential commodities cannot be sold at prices exceeding those fixed, and vendors must prominently display the list of fixed prices at sales points.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 19th, 2023.