New authority to regulate prices, supply

The Punjab government has announced the creation of the Punjab Enforcement Regulatory Authority to regulate the prices of essential commodities in the province including Rawalpindi.

This new authority, which will operate under the recently formed Price Control and Commodities Management of the Food Department Punjab, aims to ensure strict compliance with official pricing across the province.

As part of the plan, 10 to 20 price control magistrates will be appointed in each district.

These magistrates will be tasked with monitoring prices in markets within their respective police station areas around the clock. They will have the power to conduct summary trials, impose fines, and even detain violators for up to 72 hours, along with other penalties for price gouging.

The authority will be led by a director general, a senior official of grade 18 or 19. Recruitment for price magistrates will begin soon, and those appointed will receive official jeeps, police guards, and administrative support staff to aid in their operations.

The magistrates will also have the authority to preside over administrative courts.

The new department will also be responsible for setting the prices of essential goods, which will be enforced by the Punjab Enforcement Regulatory Authority.

Several government bodies, including the Agriculture Department, Punjab Food Authority, market committees, and the Food Department, will be merged under this new department to streamline efforts in price control.

Anwar Bhatti, an officer of grade 20, has been appointed as the first secretary of this newly formed department and assumed his duties last week. The Punjab Enforcement Regulatory Authority is expected to be operational by the end of October.

The role of deputy commissioners in setting official prices will also continue alongside the new regulatory body.