TAXILA: As many as 194 shopkeepers have so far been arrested during the month of January from various parts of Attock during a crackdown against profiteers and violators of the official list.

Fines amounting to over Rs1.7 million were imposed on shopkeepers.

Deputy Commissioner Rao Atif Raza, while briefing journalists on Monday, said price magistrates as well as teams of the Punjab Industries, Prices, Weights and Measures (IPWM) carried out 17,967 raids in rural and urban areas. He said during the crackdown, fines amounting to Rs1,767,000 were imposed on shopkeepers who were selling items at exorbitant rates, adding that most measures in relation to profiteering and hoarding in the province were taken in Attock district.

The operation against profiteers would continue till the sale of essential items was ensured according to the officially approved price list.

“Sale of basic commodities, especially flour at exorbitant prices, will not be tolerated and action will be taken against those responsible for negligence and carelessness,” Mr Raza said, adding that the district administration took action to keep prices of commodities under control.

He said that a drive against hoarders and profiteers was underway and strict action was being taken against shopkeepers and dealers for selling commodities at exorbitant rates.

Mr Raza asked people to pay the prices of daily-use items according to the official price list set by the local administration.

He said all assistant commissioners have been directed to ensure that ample quantities of flour were available in the market and it was being sold at a fixed price.

He said that price magistrates and officials of the local administration have been directed to expedite the campaign against profiteers and take strict action whereas action would also be initiated against price control magistrates over poor performance, the deputy commissioner added.

While responding to a question about measures taken for availability of flour to residents of the district, he said that 4,680 bags are supplied at sale points across the district on a daily basis.

He said 6,600 bags of wheat are being supplied to 45 flour mills operating in the district.

Published in Dawn, February 15th, 2023