LAHORE: The chief secretary has directed the field officers to ensure strict enforcement of the one-month ban (slapped last Saturday) on sale of sugar for commercial use and allow sugar mills to sell the sweetener for the consumption of domestic consumers only.

Presiding over a meeting on price control on Tuesday, Chief Secretary Jawad Rafique Malik said the hike in sugar price was unjustified, adding that an artificial shortage of the commodity was being created to increase the rate against which stern action would be taken.

The meeting was briefed that on the direction of the prime minister a crackdown on hoarders and profiteers was in full swing to ensure availability of essential commodities at fixed rates in the province and 475 tonnes of sugar and 30,000 kg ghee were recovered in Vehari during raids. In addition, 196 Sahulat bazaars have been made functional where food items, including flour and sugar, were available in sufficient quantities at discounted rates.

Addressing the meeting, he said that as per the chief minister’s directive, providing relief to the common man is a priority and for this purpose, everyone had to work together as a team. He said relief to the consumers should be visible due to the steps being taken by the government to control the prices.

The chief secretary asked the divisional commissioners about the prices and availability of flour and sugar in the Sahulat (facility) bazaars in their respective jurisdictions. He directed the officers to provide parking and other facilities to the visitors to these markets, besides ensuring cleanliness, but restrained them from making unnecessary expenses.

The meeting was attended by administrative secretaries of different departments including food, agriculture, and industries, Chairman PITB, Urban Unit CEO, Additional IG of Special Branch, Lahore commissioner and deputy commissioner. Other divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners participated through video link.

The meeting reviewed the prices and availability of essential commodities, especially flour and sugar, arrangements in Sahulat bazaars, and action taken against hoarders and profiteers in the province.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2020

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