Commissioner orders strict enforcement to ensure Ramazan price stability

RAWALPINDI, Mar 05 (APP/DNA):Commissioner Rawalpindi, Engineer Aamir Khattak, on Thursday directed officials to intensify price-control operations across the district to ensure the availability of essential commodities at government-notified rates during the Holy Month of Ramazan.

Chairing a meeting on price regulation, the commissioner reviewed the prices of essential items, the demand and supply situation, and measures aimed at providing maximum relief to the public during the holy month.

Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema, assistant commissioners, price control magistrates and heads of relevant departments attended the meeting.

The commissioner instructed price control magistrates to remain active in the field and ensure regular inspections of markets so that no trader could exploit prevailing conditions or increased demand during Ramazan.

He directed the deputy commissioner to take strict action against those involved in profiteering, hoarding and overcharging, and said no leniency should be shown to violators of the law.

Emphasising the need to maintain a balanced supply of food items in markets, he said effective monitoring must be ensured to prevent artificial shortages and guarantee the availability of essential commodities at notified prices.

Engineer Khattak also called for strengthening the price-control mechanism, directing officials to conduct daily market inspections and address public complaints promptly. Providing maximum relief to citizens during Ramazan ”remains the top priority of the district administration”, he added, urging all departments to work in close coordination.

The meeting was informed that over the past 24 hours, 2,601 inspections were carried out at various locations across the district. Violations were detected at 88 outlets, resulting in fines amounting to Rs395,500. In addition, 22 individuals were arrested and 50 premises sealed.

The commissioner directed that the ongoing campaign be further accelerated to ensure strict compliance with officially fixed prices of daily-use items and safeguard consumer interests.