Public rights would be protected at all costs:Shahbaz Sharif

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has said that sale of essential items at reasonable prices and provision of relief to the people is the responsibility of concerned departments and no negligence and laxity would be tolerated in this regard.

He expressed these views while addressing a meeting of Provincial Price Control Committee through video link, at Civil Secretariat here today.

The Chief Minister said that protection of interests of the people of the province is responsibility of the government which will be fulfilled at every cost. He said that no effort should be spared for transferring the benefit of record reduction in prices of petroleum products directly to the people and the implementation on the plan evolved for providing quality essential items at cheaper rates should be continued.

Shahbaz Sharif warned that profiteering and hoarding are not tolerable. He directed that indiscriminate action should be taken against those selling items at higher than the fixed rates. He said that all commissioners, DCOs and concerned officials should take effective steps for providing relief to the people.

He said that protection of interests of the people would be ensured at every cost and no one would be allowed to take any step against public interest. He said that public rights would be protected at all costs. The Chief Minister ordered action against those creating artificial shortage of vegetable oil, ghee and other essential items and said that no step against public interest will be tolerated.

The Chief Minister said that no laxity or negligence will be tolerated in providing relief to the common man. He said that rate lists should be displayed at appropriate places in the shops for the awareness of the people so that no one could overcharge.

He said that implementation on the checking and monitoring system should be continued for ensuring provision of quality edible items in abundance. Provincial Ministers Bilal Yasin, Dr. Farrukh Javed, MPA Rana Sanaullah, Chief Secretary, concerned secretaries, Commissioner Lahore Division, DCO Lahore and concerned officials attended the meeting through video link at Civil Secretariat.