New price control mechanism faces delay

RAWALPINDI:

The establishment of price control police stations at district and tehsil levels has been facing "inordinate" delays for the past 60 days, allowing traders to have respite and remain unchecked.

It has been learnt that due to lack of funds, price control police stations could not be established under the new act. However, the secretary, director general and directors of the new department have already been appointed.

The new department has not been able to recruit personnel for price control police stations, the premises for which have also not been finalised. As per plans, each price control police station will consist of 20 uniformed personnel, headed by an in-charge, a police inspector. There will be two official vehicles and three motorcycles for each station.

Sources claim the recruitment of the new force for price control police stations has been started, and the process will be completed in 30 days, after which the new recruits will undergo police-style training for 30 days, including protocols for the arrest of shopkeepers. Each price control police station will consist of four to five rooms.

As per the plan, houses will be acquired on rent for the police stations. A large room will be the jail custody, while other rooms will include a waiting room, a weapons room, a record room, and an SHO office.