Chief Secretary warns profiteers of stern action

Lahore : Chief Secretary Punjab Yosaf Naseem Khokhar has said that like Ramzan bazaars availability of daily-use commodities at fixed prices would also be ensured in open market and stern action would be taken against profiteers and hoarders.  He directed that separate queues for elderly persons be made in Ramzan bazaars so that they could not face any problem.

During surprise visit to Shadman Ramzan bazaar, the Chief Secretary said that the Punjab government is giving huge subsidy on essential items to provide relief to common man. He directed that as well as prices strict check be kept on quality, supply and demand to avoid shortage of any commodity during the holy month of Ramzan.

The Chief Secretary inspected different stalls and asked consumers about quality and prices of eatables. He also issued instructions regarding cleanliness arrangements in Ramzan bazaars.  He ordered that number of counters be increased in case of rush of buyers.

He said that arrangements of Ramzan bazaars would be reviewed on a daily basis, adding that directions have been issued to all officers to conduct regular visits of Ramzan bazaars and no negligence would be tolerated in this regard. The officers, who will show good performance, would be encouraged, he mentioned.

Talking to media persons, the Chief Secretary said that a strategy has been evolved to phase out polythene bags as these are causing environmental pollution. He urged citizens to use cloth bags instead of polythene bags for shopping. In response to a query, the Chief Secretary said that number of price control magistrates has been increased i