Punjab intensifies crackdown on profiteers, hoarders
LAHORE: The Punjab government has intensified action against profiteers, hoarders and over-chargers across the province with more than 753,000 inspections conducted during the last 15 days, Secretary Food Safety and Consumer Protection Dr Kiran Khursheed said on Thursday. She said the price control magistrates conducted more than 753,000 inspections in different markets of Punjab during the…
LAHORE: Punjab authorities have ramped up efforts to combat profiteering, hoarding, and overcharging across the province, according to Dr Kiran Khursheed, the Secretary of Food Safety and Consumer Protection. Over the past 15 days, more than 753,000 inspections were conducted, as reported by Dr Khursheed on Thursday. Price control magistrates led these inspections in various markets throughout Punjab.
Significant fines, exceeding Rs 9.96 million, were imposed for violations of laws, charging above the official rates, and not displaying the official rate lists. Dr Khursheed mentioned that 238 cases were registered, and 865 individuals were arrested during the crackdown. In addition to fines, 53 shops owned by profiteers and other violators were sealed.
Specifically for bread prices, 158,931 inspections were conducted. Out of these, 86 cases were registered against those who overcharged, leading to the arrest of 254 people and imposing fines amounting to Rs1.537 million. For chicken prices, 38,673 inspections were carried out, revealing overcharging in 3,284 locations. Twelve cases were registered, 61 people were arrested, and Rs1.055 million in fines were imposed for selling chicken at higher prices.
To ensure the continuous supply of flour and its sale at official rates, 32,918 inspections were conducted, uncovering overcharging at 1,661 locations, resulting in the arrest of 16 people. Regarding basmati rice, 31,208 inspections were performed, with 32 people arrested for profiteering and fines surpassing Rs408,000 imposed. Five FIRs were registered due to sugar overcharging, with 18 people detained.
Inspections of gram (chana dal) prices led to four cases and 22 arrests. For vegetable oil and ghee, 24 people were arrested, and fines of Rs210,000 were imposed. In the case of eggs, 13 cases were registered, leading to the arrest of 38 people and fines exceeding Rs273,000. Dr Khursheed highlighted that daily inspections by price control magistrates continue to ensure food items remain affordable and meet the prescribed standards. She emphasized that there would be no leniency towards those violating the law.
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