LAHORE, July 22: Punjab Chief Minister Mian Shahbaz Sharif has ordered the administration to ensure sale of flour at the Rs375 fixed price within 48 hours. He also directed cancellation of licences and sealing of flour mills charging more than the ex-mill rate.

He issued these instructions while presiding over a meeting at the Chief Minister Secretariat here on Tuesday, says a handout.

Punjab Food Minister Malik Nadeem Kamran, the chief secretary, the IGP, food and home secretaries, the Lahore DCO and other officers were also present on the occasion. He directed the DCOs and DPOs to undertake joint action against the elements engaged in hoarding and profiteering of flour and no leniency be shown in this regard.

He said stern action would be taken against the DCOs and DPOs of the districts from where reports of sale of 20 kg flour bag at more than Rs375 were received.

The CM directed constitution of vigilance teams for curbing hoarding of flour and smuggling of wheat. These committees would comprise police officers, the administration, food department officials as well as local people.

He said apolitical people enjoying good repute would be inducted in such committees.

He also directed to consider setting up of a special tribunal for taking prompt action against those involved in smuggling and hoarding of wheat and flour.

Mian Shahbaz Sharif directed the food minister and other officials to undertake immediate visits to remote areas of the province and submit a detailed report to him within three days.

The CM was informed that 71 vehicles carrying wheat for smuggling had been seized during the last one week and 96 people arrested after registration of 51 cases.