TAXILA: A crackdown was launched against illegal profiteers in various parts of Attock and 20 shopkeepers were arrested. Fines amounting to over Rs29,000 were imposed on some of them for violating the official price list.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Imran Hamid Sheikh, while briefing journalists about the crackdown at his office on Sunday, said 783 inspections were carried out in different tehsils of the district.

He said 91 surprise checks were carried out, with 135 in Fatehjang, 147 in Hassanabdal, 168 in Hazro, 64 in Jand and 77 in Pindigheb.

Sale of sugar, flour and other commodities at exorbitant prices will not be tolerated and action will be taken against those responsible for negligence and carelessness, Mr Sheikh said, adding that the district administration took action to keep prices of commodities under control.

He said all assistant commissioners have been directed to ensure availability of ample quantities of flour in the market and sale of it at fixed price. Officers concerned have been directed to expedite the campaign against profiteers and take strict action whereas action would also be initiated against the Price Control Magistrates over poor performance, the DC added.

Assistant Commissioner (Taxila) Shahzad Mehboob launched a similar crackdown and two shopkeepers were arrested after registration of cases against them for violating the official price list. Fines amounting to Rs50,000 were imposed on several of the shopkeepers.

Moreover, the local administration in Jand retrieved 20 kanals of government land, worth millions of rupees, from alleged land grabbers. Sources said Assistant Commissioner (Jand) Ijaz Abdul Karim along with the revenue staff, police, tehsil and local administration retrieved 20 kanals the land in Kal village of Jand tehsil.

The land includes 3 kanals and 10 marlas of residential area whereas the rest is agricultural land.

Published in Dawn, October 4th, 2021