Profiteers arrest continues in the province

Lahore: A campaign against shopkeepers involved in profiteering, hoarding and short weighing has been accelerated throughout the province. 1525 Price Control Magistrates raided 9994 shops and markets and took action against 1725 shopkeepers and traders on various violations.

As many as 224 cases were registered while 262 persons were arrested and a fine of more than 18 lakh and 46 thousand and 600 rupees was also imposed. Maximum fine of two lakh and 22 thousand and 500 rupees was imposed on profiteering and hoarding in district Rahim Yar Khan and a fine of Rs. 7500 only was imposed in district DG Khan.

In district Lahore raids were conducted by Price Control Magistrates 1276 places and 223 traders and shopkeepers were found involved in overcharging and hoarding. As many as 133 shopkeepers were arrested after registering 90 cases with regard to profiteering and hoarding while a fine of one lakh, 33 thousand and 200 rupees was also imposed.

Raids were conducted at 2165 places for checking weights and measures throughout the province and action was taken against 256 shopkeepers. 554698 kg sugar was provided at the rate of Rs. 52 per kg while 83639 flour bags of 10 kg each were provided at subsidized rate of Rs. 310 in 314 Ramazan bazaars. 12014 flour bags of 10 kg each at Rs. 330 per bag and 111525 flour bags of 20 kg each at Rs. 660 per bag were provided in open market. 154610 kg chicken was provided at Rs. 236 per kg in Ramazan bazaars.

On the direction of Chief Minister Punjab, Iftari was provided to 153142 citizens at 1783 Madni dasterkhawans with the collaboration of government and philanthropists throughout the province. Iftari was served to 32522 persons at 311 Madni dasterkhawans of district Lahore.