Hamza Shehbaz directs to functionalize price control committees to check hoarding, profiteering and price-hike across Punjab

LAHORE, May 10: On the direction of Chief Minister Punjab Hamza Shahbaz, District Price Control Committees have been made functional in order to provide relief to the masses. In this connection Deputy Commissioners of all districts across the province chaired the meetings of District Price Control Committees. District administration directed the shopkeepers to sell edibles at fixed government rates. On the direction of CM, Deputy Commissioners across Punjab summoned the representatives of ghee, poultry and Karyana merchant association and made it clear that price-hike will not be tolerated and permitted at any cost. They said that strict legal action will be taken against shopkeepers found involved in doing price-hike. Price Magistrate teams have been constituted across the province who will make surprise visits of various markets, bazaars and will check prices of essential edibles on the spot. Deputy Commissioners directed the shop owners to display prices of essential edibles at prominent places and indiscriminate action will be taken against the hoarders and profiteers. Deputy Commissioner Lahore Umer Sheikh Chatha said that stern action should be taken against profiteering in the markets adding that stern action should also be taken against price-hike of potatoes, onions and tomatoes. He further directed that all Price Control Magistrates should make a surprise survey in their respective areas and the shopkeepers who are found involved in profiteering time and again then their shops should be sealed. He said that those involved in hoarding of urea and pesticides will also be strictly taken to task. He disclosed that one dish rule in the marriage halls on the occasion of marriage and walima will be equally enforced in both the ceremonies adding that this rule will also be applied on the ceremonies being celebrated within indoor areas. The Deputy Commissioner intimated that all traders association have been apprised about the zero-tolerance policy of Punjab government adding that in order to bring stability in the prices of essential edibles, vegetables and fruit markets are also being strictly monitored. Directions have also been issued with regard to making a comprehensive action plan in order to reduce the prices of ghee, flour, sugar, poultry and other essential edibles. The Deputy Commissioner directed that special attention should also be paid on the urban as well as rural areas and indiscriminate action should be taken against the hoarders and profiteers. Directions have also been issued to the district administration to strictly enforce one dish rule on the occasion of marriages across the province. He further directed that price lists should be prominently displayed on the shops and wheelbarrows. The focus of Punjab government is to provide maximum relief to the common man and all resources will be utilized for attaining this purpose, DC concluded.-PR