Chief Secretary Punjab orders crackdown against profiteers

Lahore: Chief Secretary Punjab Capt (r) Zahid Saeed has directed the divisional commissioners to launch a crackdown on profiteers and hoarders for ensuring availability of daily-use commodities at fixed prices.

He was chairing a high-level meeting to review prices of daily-use items and Ramzan Package at Civil Secretariat here on Monday.  He ordered that special steps be taken for monitoring the quality, supply and prices of eatables ahead of the holy month of Ramzan so that relief could be provided to the people in the real sense. He said that rate lists should be displayed at shops for facilitating people. He opined that role of elected representatives is of significant importance in controlling prices of commodities.

The Chief Secretary directed that best arrangements be ensured for starting Ramzan Bazaars from June 3.    He said that under the Punjab government’s Ramzan package flour, sugar, pulses, ghee, vegetables and fruits will be available at concessionary rates during the holy month. He said that all the departments concerned should make every effort for providing fruits of Ramzan package to the people. The Secretary Industries, in his briefing, told the meeting that 350 Ramzan Bazaars will be set up throughout the province.

He said that Agriculture Department will establish fair price shops in these Ramzan bazaars. He mentioned that 1642 Price Control Magistrates will be deputed for monitoring prices. He said that that 2000 Madni Dastarkhawan will also be set up during Ramzan-ul-Mubarak in the province to provide facility of Sahar and Iftaar. MPA Haji Nawaz,  Addl. Chief Secretary Shumail Ahad Khwaja, secretaries of Food, Finance, Commissioner Lahore Division, and other senior officers attended the meeting.