Shopkeepers fined Rs310,000 by ICT

ISLAMABAD: During the on-going drive against profiteering in the city, Islamabad Capital Territory has imposed fines amounting to Rs310,000 on 312 shopkeepers across Islamabad.

Shopkeepers were fined for overcharging customers and for not displaying price lists of food items set by the market committee.

Deputy Commissioner Amir Ahmad Ali said the ICT administration is determined to ensure the implementation of rate list of food items during Ramazan and on-spot action is being taken against profiteers.

He said the complaint cell established in the office of Deputy Commissioner Islamabad responded to 90 consumer complaints during the last five days and fined shopkeepers that were found deviating from the set prices.

Talking to the Express Tribune, Chief Commissioner Islamabad Tariq Mahmood Pirzada said that residents of the capital are being facilitated by the ‘Sasta Ramazan Bazaars’ which provide lower rates of food items as compared to the open market.

He said the drive against profiteers has been intensified and steps are being taken to keep prices of food items within the reach of the common man in the open market as well.

Muhammad Wali Khan, a teacher, said that overcharging by vendors is in strict violation of the prices set by the market committee and the city administrations should punish those involved in the malpractice.

Sardar Ali Khan, a fruit seller at Karachi Company, said that there is a shortage of basic commodities, especially fruits and vegetables, because roads leading to the twin cities have been blocked by the flood water.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 18^th, 2010.