RAWALPINDI, Sept 21: The city district government has stepped up its campaign against profiteers as heavy fines could not deter them from violating the official price list of daily-use items.

The officials involved in the campaign told the meeting chaired by the City District Nazim Raja Javed Ikhlas here on Friday that Rs256,000 fine was imposed on the shopkeepers on Thursday for flouting the official price list of consumer items.

The meeting was also attended by DCO Irfan Elahi, EDO (revenue) Ambar Ali Khan, DO (revenue) Mohammad Asif Qureshi, price magistrate Qazi Nasir Ahmad and the TMOs of Rawal Town and Potohar Town.

In 368 raids in various markets of the city, 100 shopkeepers were found guilty of violating the official price list and some others have not displayed the price lists.

The special price magistrates conducted raids in Thana Bani area, New Town, Pir Wadhai and Waris Khan, Saham Road, Chohar Chowk, Allahbad, Misriyal Road, Raja Bazaar, Sabzi Manadi and Jamia Masjid Road. The violators of the price list included dates, vegetables, meet and samosas and pakoras sellers and the retailers.

Besides this, markets in all towns were raided and heavy fines were imposed on profiteers and hoarders. The DCO instructed the magistrates to take strict action against the traders involved in profiteering and hoarding and ensure the provision of consumer items to the people at the official prices.

The district government’s campaign against adulteration of food is also underway under the instruction of city district nazim and DCO. EDO Health Dr Zafar Iqbal Gondal and DO Health Dr Ansar Ishaq raided 177 bakeries, hotels, and sweet shops in the city and sent the samples of consumer items to the laboratories for tests.

Eateries in different areas of the city were fined Rs23, 000 for not maintaining cleanliness, Dr Zafar Gondal said adding that the operation against the adulterators would continue to provide pure food to the consumers.