Lahore: Price Control Magistrates imposed fines of Rs74,500 on violators during 1,518 inspections across Lahore in the last 24 hours. According to a district administration spokesperson, 27 challans were issued for overcharging and failure to display official price lists. No shop was sealed and no arrest was made during the enforcement drive. Assistant Commissioners and Price Control Magistrates inspected 1,518 locations across the district, while special checking of fruits, vegetables and chicken was also conducted under the supervision of Assistant Commissioners. As many as 74 fruit and vegetable stalls and six chicken shops were directly inspected.
Tehsil-wise details showed that Model Town recorded the highest number of inspections at 349, with fines of Rs31,000 imposed on violators. In Cantt, 86 inspections resulted in fines of Rs19,000, while Rs12,000 was imposed in Ravi following 39 inspections. In Sadar, 76 inspections led to fines of Rs6,000, while Rs3,000 was imposed during 178 inspections in Lahore City.
Similarly, fines of Rs2,000 were imposed after checking 86 locations in Wahga, while Rs1,500 was collected during 145 inspections in Shalimar.
No fines were imposed during 24 inspections in Allama Iqbal Town, 60 in Nishtar and 25 in Raiwind.
Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Ali Ejaz directed Price Control Magistrates to remain active in the field and submit daily reports, emphasizing that the provision of essential commodities to citizens at officially notified prices must be ensured. He said overcharging and profiteering would not be tolerated under any circumstances and directed the relevant officials to continue enforcement operations to ensure the availability of essential commodities at prescribed rates.