June 09, 2007	Saturday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 23, 1428

ATTOCK, June 8: District Coordination Officer (DCO) Chaudhry Mukhtiar Ahmed has ordered a crackdown on hoarders to provide relief to the common man, besides initiating a price control campaign through the special magistrates to tighten the noose around the profiteers.

This decision was taken in a special meeting held here on Friday to chalk out a comprehensive strategy to maintain prices, control the price hike, eliminate the menace of hoarding and take steps in consumers interest.

The meeting was also attended by District Officer Revenue (DOR) Mr Zulfiqar, his deputies in all six tehsils of Attock district, besides other concerned officials of the local government.

The DCO told local media persons that the DOR Attock and the DDORs in Jand, Attock, Hazro, Fatehjang, Pindigheb and Hassanabdal tehsils, who also enjoyed powers of special price magistrates, had been directed to ensure the display of price lists outside the shops, markets and other prominent places for the information of consumers.

They were also asked to coordinate with the local traders and consumers in this regard, besides sensitising the district price control and price fixing committees. Afterwards, they should conduct surprise raids with the help of local police and take strict action against any violation. The DDORs will also submit their performance reports to the DCO office through the DOR on daily basis.

The meeting also decided to immediately formulate a price fixing mechanism to keep the prices of daily use items stable. Similarly, the prices of grocery items including ghee, sugar, pulses, tea, rice, and fresh and packed bread would be reviewed on weakly basis.

A price control/complaint cells would be set up at the office of the DOR Attock and those of the DDORs in tehsil, Mr Ahmed said. The telephone numbers and other information about all such offices would be displayed at the markets and other main areas so that any complainant could contact them, he added.

In addition to this, the presence of veterinary staff will be ensured in the government abattoirs throughout the district to make sure that animals are slaughtered hygienically after proper check up and ascertaining that the meat is suitable for human consumption.