SARGODHA: Traders at the Sahulat Ramazan Bazaar are defying the district administration by disregarding official price lists and selling vegetables, fruits and other essentials at arbitrary rates while concealing the rate lists issued by the authorities.

Despite the official price regulations, sugar is being sold at Rs130 per kg at designated stalls, while a 10-kg sack of flour is openly available in the general market for Rs850 instead of the approved rate of Rs820.

According to sources, the Sargodha district administration has renamed the Model Rehri Bazaar as the Sahulat Ramazan Bazaar to offer essential commodities at subsidised rates and set up decorated stalls for sugar and flour. However, traders continue to flout official pricing by concealing rate lists and charging inflated prices.

Shopkeepers in the general market are also openly selling a 10-kg flour bag for Rs850 while displaying the official rate of Rs 820, further challenging the district administration’s efforts to regulate prices.BUS BUS STANDS: The bus stands at the under-construction 47 Bridge Flyover in Sargodha city will be dismantled and relocated to Bypass Lahore Road to permanently address the issue of heavy vehicles descending from the flyover and making U-turns.

In a meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Muhammad Waseem, it was decided that a strict ban on vehicle parking outside all malls on University Road would be enforced. All brands operating on University Road will be required to arrange their own parking facilities and failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.

The meeting also included discussions on several feasible proposals to improve traffic flow from University Road and Qainchi Mor to the 47 Bridge Flyover. The final decisions will be made in consultation with all stakeholders.

CHAIRLIFT: As per the instructions of the Punjab government, efforts are underway to enhance the beauty of Soan Valley and improve facilities for tourists.

The tourism department has been directed to install a chairlift at Khabbeki Lake, while special dividers will be placed for road construction in the valley and to ensure passenger safety on mountainous routes.

Measures will be taken to beautify Khabbeki Lake and create more entertainment opportunities for tourists who come at night. Decorative lighting has been proposed, and the Khushab deputy commissioner has been instructed to oversee its implementation.

POWER THIEVES: During a crackdown on electricity thieves, a Fesco team has registered cases against seven electricity consumers who tampered with their meters.

Reports said the Fesco team, while conducting a crackdown in Sargodha, arrested seven consumers involved in electricity theft from main lines and meter tampering, namely Shujaat, Usman, Rafaqat, Riyast, Sadaqat, Ramzan and Nasir Nawaz.

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2025