QUETTA:Deputy Commissioner Quetta Mehrullah Badini has said that the increase in flour prices was a national issue and not limited to Quetta, noting that similar trends were being witnessed in different parts of the country. He said the district administration has taken measures to prevent hoarding and artificial price hikes to ensure that no one exploits the situation for personal gain.
Speaking to the media during an open court session here Wednesday, the deputy commissioner said a mechanism had been developed in collaboration with the Food Department and Industries Department to review flour prices on a weekly basis. Under the system, appropriate flour rates would be determined regularly, while district administration price control committees would ensure implementation of the prescribed rates across their respective subdivisions and tehsils.
He said anti-beggary operations form part of the district administration’s monthly performance review. Whenever complaints regarding beggary are received, action is taken in coordination with assistant commissioners and the Social Welfare Department. He added that during operations conducted last week, 18 individuals involved in begging were arrested and sent to jail.
Discussing parking-related issues, Badini said designated parking sites are leased out by the Metropolitan Corporation Quetta (MCQ), generating revenue for the government. However, complaints regarding illegal parking areas and unauthorised motorcycle stands are addressed promptly through inspections and enforcement measures.
He said the administration had received a complaint two days earlier regarding the establishment of a motorcycle stand at Imdad Chowk. Following an inspection by the administrative team, the stand was found to be illegal and was immediately removed.
The deputy commissioner reaffirmed that the district administration would continue its efforts to resolve public complaints, ensure the availability of essential commodities at official rates, curb profiteering and hoarding, and eliminate illegal parking facilities across the city.