PESHAWAR/BAJAUR: The administration officials on Saturday registered FIRs against 116 shopkeepers, arrested 204 others and sealed 43 shops in various parts of the provincial metropolis during a crackdown on profiteers, hoarders and sale of fake food items.

According to a statement issued from the deputy commissioner’s office, majority of the shopkeepers had not displayed the official price list at their outlets. The officials asked the shopkeepers to ensure display of the price lists at a prominent place at their shops.

Meanwhile, a price control command centre was set up at the deputy commissioner’s office to monitor the action taken being against those involved in overcharging, hoarding and sale of fake food items.

DC Mohammad Ali Asghar has asked the citizens to keep close liaison with the relevant officials for registration of complaints against profiteers and hoarders in their respective localities.

It was stated that price lists were issued daily at the fruit and vegetable markets after proper auction in presence of relevant officials and that no one would be allowed to exploit the consumers.

Meanwhile, nine profiteers were arrested as the Bajaur district administration continued its crackdown on the second day on Saturday.

A statement issued from the deputy commissioner’s office said the profiteers were arrested from the main vegetable and fruit market in Khar during a raid led by assistant commissioner Fazal Raheem.

It said the vendors were arrested after the officials found them guilty of selling vegetables in the black market and not following the prices set jointly by the district administration and the traders association.

According to the statement, the administration had directed all the dealers and vendors in the fruit and vegetable market to strictly follow the rules of the auction and avoid profiteering.

However, the statement said some vendors failed to follow the administration’s instructions which led to their arrests.

It said several vendors had been arrested during the ongoing crackdown on profiteers and hoarders launched on the directives of the provincial government across the district to keep the prices of essential commodities under check.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2020