Lahore: A monthly price inspection report has been issued on the directives of Deputy Commissioner(DC) Lahore Captain (Retd) Muhammad Ali Ijaz,showing that more than 112,000 inspections were conducted across the district,here on Saturday.
According to the report,Assistant Commissioners,Price Control Magistrates and Price Control officials conducted a total of 112,449 inspections.Of these,45,337 inspections were carried out by Price Control Magistrates while 67,112 were conducted by the Price Control Authority (PARA).
The report said 2,748 cases of profiteering were detected, including 1,110 cases reported by Price Control Magistrates and 1,638 by PARA.
A total of 478 violations were recorded for failure to display official rate lists while another 2,811 violations were also reported.
No violation was found at 41,035 locations,while 3,165 warnings were issued.
As many as 698 persons were fined for violations with a total fine of Rs.13.7 million imposed.
During the operations,402 first information reports (FIRs) were registered,705 premises sealed and 481 persons arrested.
The report said Price Control Magistrates imposed fines amounting to Rs.5.24 million,sealed 40 premises and arrested 301 persons.
PARA officials imposed fines of Rs8.52 million, sealed 665 premises and arrested 180 persons.
Three inspections were also conducted against hoarding, but no case was registered, according to the report.
Deputy Commissioner(DC),Muhammad Ali Ijaz directed the relevant officials to ensure effective price control, take indiscriminate action against profiteering and ensure prominent display of official rate lists.
He also directed that a zero-tolerance policy against hoarding be implemented and essential commodities be provided to citizens at officially notified rates.
The DC said the campaign against profiteering would continue with strict action including heavy fines and registration of FIRs.
He said ensuring the supply of commodities to citizens at fixed rates remained the administration’s top priority.