Fake price magistrates caught

District administration hands over impersonators to Sabzazar police

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LAHORE:

The district administration arrested two individuals fraudulently posing as price control magistrates in the Kharak Sabzazar Bazaar.

The impostors were caught inspecting prices and allegedly extorting money while falsely claiming to be government officials. They have been handed over to Sabzazar police, and cases have been registered against them.

Meanwhile, the district administration released a report detailing enforcement actions against price violations. Lahore Deputy Commissioner (DC) Syed Musa Raza stated that strict measures against price gouging are yielding positive results. Heavy fines are being imposed on violators, and legal action is being pursued.

According to the report, enforcement teams took action at 26 locations, issuing 25 warnings and imposing fines exceeding Rs100,000. DC Raza reaffirmed the administration's commitment to cracking down on overpricing, emphasising that no one would be allowed to exploit citizens. He directed officials to remain vigilant, ensuring consistent price monitoring and the timely availability of essential goods at Ramazan Sahulat stalls.

Assistant commissioners conducted surprise visits to monitor essential item prices, fining or arresting several violators. Three shops were sealed in Model Bazaar and Rehri Bazaar Raiwind for non-compliance. Vendors were fined for overpricing onions, tomatoes, fruits, and vegetables in various markets, with seven individuals arrested and cases registered.

Meanwhile, Lahore Division Commissioner Zaid bin Maqsood chaired a meeting to review the distribution of pay orders under the Nigehban Ramazan initiative launched by the chief minister to support low-income families.

He was informed that all districts have delivered more than half of the registered pay orders to the beneficiaries' doorsteps.

It was highlighted that the district authorities are monitoring the franchises responsible for encashing the pay orders and strict action has been taken against those violating the guidelines.

The commissioner emphasised that all shops and street vendors must display the official price lists and ensure strict adherence to government regulations.

Reviewing the progress of pay order distribution across the division, he reaffirmed the Punjab government's commitment to transparency, ensuring that the financial aid reaches the deserving without any deductions.

He stated that a total of 399,205 low-income families in Lahore division are receiving pay orders at their doorsteps. Each pay order is of Rs10,000, which must be paid in full to the titleholder without any unauthorised deduction.

He noted that in Lahore, 199,287 families are benefiting from this initiative, while in Sheikhupura 81,796 families are receiving financial aid. In Nankana Sahib, 42,793 families are covered under the programme, whereas in Kasur the pay orders have been distributed among 75,329 families. He directed officials to ensure that the assistance is delivered with honesty and transparency.

The commissioner also reviewed the supply of sugar at designated sale points and Ramazan Bazaars across all districts.

The meeting was attended by the Lahore deputy commissioner, while Nankana DC Muhammad Tasleem Rao, Kasur DC Imran Ali and Sheikhupura DC Shahid Imran Marth participated via video link.

With additional input from APP