Minister Finance warns hoarders and profiteers for strict action

Lahore: Punjab Minister for Excise and Taxation Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman has said that strict action would be taken against hoarders and profiteers. He said that provision of quality essential items to the people at cheaper rates would be ensured. He said that Ministers, civil and police administration have been mobilized for ensuring continuous provision of vegetables, fruits and other edible items at fixed rates. The Minister said that on the direction of Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, a subsidy of Rs.1000 per month would be given to 13 lakh poorest families in the first phase under a targeted subsidy programme.

He expressed these views while presiding over a meeting to review the prices of essential items at Shalimar Town. MPA Malik Abdul Waheed, Assistant Commissioner, officers of Food, Agriculture and Town administration attended the meeting.

Mujtaba Shuja ur Rehman said that sastay bazaars have been started thrice a week throughout the province. He said that edible items would be provided in142 itwaar bazaars at cheaper rates and flour at ex-mill rate. He said that besides concerned officials, Provincial Ministers, Assembly Members and senior officials of administration will visit vegetable markets early in the morning to monitor the prices of vegetables and fruits. He said that strict action would be taken against the whole-sellers and retailers involved in selling of substandard and adulterated items and price-hike.