SWABI: Traders in Tordher area on Tuesday blocked Swabi-Jehangira road against the imposition of ‘unjust fine’ on them by the local administration on charges of fleecing consumers.

The road remained blocked for two and half hours, creating difficulties to commuters and motorists. Anjuman-i-Dokandaran district president Babu Sultan led the protest.

Speaking on the occasion, he alleged that Chota Lahor tehsil administration had even imposed fines on the shopkeepers who didn’t deal with selling foot items, which was unjust.

Babu Sultan said that traders had been charged from Rs6,000 to Rs10,000, and demanded that the amount should be returned to the traders.

Later, a traders’ delegation met deputy commissioner and appraised him about their concerns. A trader told Dawn after the meeting that the shopkeepers wanted end to such raids by the tehsil administration.

He, however, said that the deputy commissioner made it clear that the traders overcharging customers in violation of the price list would be fined.

He said that the traders agreed with the officials that those who violated the price list should be fined.

He said the district administration assured that if any trader was fined unjustly he would be reimbursed the amount.

Meanwhile, district police officer, Sajjad Khan, said on Tuesday that they had taken action against 190 traders on the directives of the district administration over profiteering.

Speaking at a press conference, he said that action against the profiteers would continue.

Published in Dawn, July 23rd, 2014