QUETTA: The Balochistan government has decided to take action against those found hoarding essential commodities and overcharging during the holy month of Ramazan in the province.

The decision was taken at a meeting presided over by Balochistan Chief Secretary Mather Niaz Rana to review price control mechanism, Ramazan pac­kage, prevention of coronavirus and other issues here on Wednesday. Ind­us­try Secretary Hafiz Abdul Majid, Food Secretary Noor Ahmed Parkani, PDMA Director General Naseer Ahmed Nasir and all deputy commissioners attended the meeting via video link.

The chief secretary said steps were being taken to strengthen price control committees to prevent shopkeepers from profiteering and ensure availability of quality food items in Utility Stores.

He directed the local administration to control movement of essential commodities from Pakistan to Afghanistan and Iran. He asked the deputy commissioners to take stern action against the shopkeepers found hoarding essential items and overcharging and to ensure that wheat and wheat flour were not smuggled out of Balochistan.

The chief secretary said that availability of food items, especially pulses, sugar, rice and wheat flour, should be ensured at all utility stores. He directed the deputy commissioners to ensure holding of cheap bazaars in every district so that the people could get relief.

The chief secretary said the third wave of coronavirus was spreading very dangerously and rapidly and the provincial government was taking emergency measures to prevent it. He directed the deputy commissioners to ensure provision of health facilities and oxygen in hospitals and make it mandatory for the people to wear mask. He appealed to the people to cooperate with the provincial government and follow the standard operation procedures on Covid-19.

Published in Dawn, April 1st, 2021