NAROWAL: A price control magistrate and the Municipal Committee chief officer were hospitalised after being attacked by a shopkeeper with a sharp knife in Sialkot.

District Price Control Magistrate Muhammad Yusuf Briar and Pasrur Municipal Committee chief officer Asrar Ahmed were inspecting a supermarket near Noorani Masjid on Sabzi Mandi Road.

Shopkeeper Muhammad Fayyaz was found selling daily food items at prices higher than the government fixed rates. When teh magistrate fined him for overcharging, the shopkeeper became furious.

According to Asrar Ahmed, the shopkeeper and his associates assaulted the magistrate and his team. During the altercation, the shopkeeper launched a violent attack on the magistrate with a sharp knife. Both Yusuf and Asrar were seriously injured and were taken to Pasrur Tehsil Headquarters (THQ) Hospital where they are currently getting treatment. The assailant fled the scene.

After receipt of information, police arrived at the scene and launched an investigation. However, no FIR has been registered yet.

Meanwhile, local shopkeepers Abdul Qadoos and Muhammad Iqbal questioned why the price magistrates target small shopkeepers rather than wholesale dealers. They argued that when wholesalers charge above government-set prices, it becomes impossible for retailers to sell at lower rates.

They also criticised the price control magistrates for their ‘inappropriate’ behaviour, claiming it often leads to quarrels. conflicts.

Published in Dawn, September 11th, 2024