New schedule of transport fares would be promulgated strictly:

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Food Bilal Yasin has directed concerned authorities to ensure complete implementation of the new schedule of transport fares so that people could benefit from reduction in prices of petroleum products. He said that sugarcane crushing season is being started which will result in further decrease in the prices of sugar.

He was addressing a press briefing at Civil Secretariat Committee Room, today. Provincial Minister for Industry and Investment Ch. Muhammad Shafique, assembly members, secretaries of Industries, Finance, Food, Livestock, Agriculture and Information departments were also present on the occasion. Provincial Minister said that due to decrease in the prices of petroleum products and the measures taken by the government for providing relief to the citizens, there has been a substantial reduction in the prices of essential items including tomato, potato, onion and other articles of daily use.

The Minister said that the meeting of Cabinet Price Control Committee is held on weekly basis for ensuring decrease in prices of essential items and transport fares. He said that commissioners and DCOs of the province are also contacted through video link. He informed that 19 thousand vehicles were checked during the last three days and a fine of Rs.2.2 million was imposed for overcharging. Similarly, he said that instructions have been issued for displaying new fare lists on the bus stands and in intercity vans and buses. He said that disciplinary action should be taken against transport officers of the concerned districts if they failed to ensure 100 percent implementation of new transport fares within next two to four days.

Bilal Yasin further told that prices of tomato, onion and potato have reduced during November 1 to 11, 2014 as compared to the last year and magistrates conducted 31461 raids in different areas during the first 10 days of the current month and cases were registered against 354 profiteers. He said that 415 shopkeepers involved in overcharging were apprehended and a fine of 5974750 rupees was recovered. He said that sale of sugar from 54 to 55 rupees per kg will be ensured in the province. Similarly, three hundred tandoor owners were arrested for overcharging and heavy fines were also imposed.