LAHORE: In a significant move to enforce official prices, price control magistrates have conducted inspections at 3,640 locations, leading to the arrest of 5 individuals for overpricing fruits, vegetables, and other essential items.
Lahore Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rafia Haider told media on Saturday that 17 cases have been registered for violations of government-set prices. Furthermore, fines totaling Rs. 1 million have been imposed for 230 instances of non-compliance.
The DC emphasized that price control magistrates are actively ensuring adherence to official rates. Supervision of the auction process in fruit and vegetable markets is also underway to prevent any malpractices. Administrative officers are ensuring the sale of fruits, vegetables, and bread at government-approved prices. All stalls and shops are being instructed to prominently display the rate list, and strict action is being taken against those failing to comply.
Following the directives of the Chief Minister of Punjab, no leniency will be s
hown towards overpricing. Citizens are encouraged to register their complaints regarding overpricing at the Chief Minister Punjab’s helpline: 080002345, she urged.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Corporation Lahore (MCL) carried out an anti-encroachment operations in all nine administrative zones of provincial capital and shifted various truck-load to the MCL junk yard. More than 123 temporary encroachment have been cleared while 569 banners and streamers have been removed during the move.