Lahore: Price control magistrates across Punjab conducted 432,465 inspections from Sept 21 to 27, imposing fine amounting to Rs11.337 million, registering 73 cases and arresting 341 persons for overcharging and violations of price-control laws.
As many as 25 business premises were also sealed over violations during the week-long crackdown launched on the special directions of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.
Food Safety and Consumer Protection Secretary Dr Kiran Khurshid told media on Wednesday that 21,158 cases of overcharging were detected during the period, while 1,846 violations were reported for failure to display officially notified price lists. She said 5,198 cases of overcharging on bread were reported, with fines amounting to Rs577,000 imposed against violators.
Similarly, 1,607 cases of overcharging on chicken meat were detected, resulting in registration of 20 FIRs and arrest of 56 persons.
Dr Kiran Khurshid said 579 cases of overcharging on flour bags were detected, leading to arrest of 16 persons and imposition of fines amounting to Rs109,000. She said 692 violations were detected for overcharging on sugar, with fines of Rs155,500 imposed, while 836 cases of overcharging on tomatoes resulted in arrest of 17 persons and fines amounting to Rs85,000.
The Secretary said the monitoring and enforcement campaign would continue across Punjab without interruption to ensure provision of essential commodities to the common man at affordable prices and according to officially notified rates. She said no leniency would be shown towards profiteers and those involved in overcharging.