A few profiteers cannot be allowed to exploit 10 crore people of the province:Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that a few profiteers cannot be allowed to exploit 10 crore people of the province. He said that protection of rights of the citizens is the responsibility of the government which will be efficiently discharged at any cost. He said that Pakistan Muslim League-N government will spare no effort for protecting the rights of people and no compromise will be made over the steps for providing relief to the masses.

He was presiding over a meeting of Price Control Committee through video link at Civil Secretariat, here today. Implementation of the new prices of vegetable oil and ghee and the measures taken in this regard were reviewed in the meeting. Speaking on the occasion, Shahbaz Sharif directed that indiscriminate action be taken against hoarders and profiteers. He warned that the elements exploiting the citizens in the form of profiteering will be put behind the bars. The Chief Minister directed to ensure sale of vegetable oil and ghee at the new prices and said that immediate implementation of the newly fixed rates be ensured in the whole province. He said that strict action under the law should be taken against those creating artificial shortage and no leniency be shown to the violators. He said that exploitation of people through overcharging will not be tolerated. The Chief Minister also constituted a committee at provincial level for the implementation of new rates of vegetable oil and ghee. He said that implementation of the comprehensive mechanism for keeping essential items within the reach of the common man will be continued in future as well and availability of quality essential commodities to the masses at affordable rates will be ensured.

The Chief Minister directed that crackdown on the those involved in profiteering and overcharging be continued and indiscriminate action be taken against such elements. He said that the masses cannot be left at the mercy of profiteers.

The Chief Minister appreciated the performance of Commissioner Lahore Division and District Coordination Officer Lahore with regard to adopting effective measures in Lahore division.

Secretary Industries gave a detailed briefing to the meeting about the steps taken for the sale of vegetable oil and ghee at the new prices. Provincial Ministers Bilal Yasin, Farrukh Javed, Member Provincial Assembly Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Chief Secretary, concerned secretaries, Commissioner Lahore Division, DCO Lahore and concerned authorities participated in the meeting through video link.