ISLAMABAD: Fines were imposed on shopkeepers while four were arrested for not displaying the official price list in their shops on Sunday as the district administration intensified its operation against price hike.

Last week, Hamza Shafqaat was transferred and the post of deputy commissioner (DC) Islamabad was given to another Grade-19 officer of Pakistan Administrative Service (PAS) Irfan Nawaz Memon. Earlier, Mr Memon was serving as DC Quetta.

The new deputy commissioner directed officials to intensify the operation against price hike and shopkeepers who did not display rate lists.

On Sunday, assistant commissioner (AC) Secretariat visited Sasta Ramazan Bazaar to ensure that essential commodities including sugar, flour, pulses, fruits and vegetables are being sold at subsidised rates.

Flour, sugar available at subsidised rates in Ramazan bazaars

One of the shopkeepers was arrested for not displaying the rate list despite multiple warnings and another dairy shop was sealed for keeping adulterated milk. Others found in violation of law were fined and warned. Moreover, polythene bags were also confiscated from shops.

Meanwhile the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) magistrate carried out an inspection in F-6 Markaz, Rana Market (F-7) and France Colony Market (F-7). As many as three shopkeepers were arrested for not displaying the rate list whereas others found in violation of law were warned.

According to a statement, on the directions of the prime minister, the ICT administration has been ensuring that flour and sugar were being sold to citizens at subsidised prices in all Ramazan bazaars.

“Subsidised price of flour is Rs400 per 10 kilogrammes and subsidised price of sugar is Rs75 per kg. These items are available in Ramazan bazaars of G-7, E-11, G-9, Bhara Kahu and Bhandar Stop. In addition to this, in each Ramazan Bazaar, there is a fair price stall with 13 essential items being sold for prices 18pc less than other rates and for this no government finances have been utilised. Notably, these prices have been effective in Islamabad since April 21, 2022,” the statement said.

“Besides, 61 fair price stalls have been established where flour at subsidised rates is available. To ensure smooth supply of flour and sugar and to tackle any hoarding activity under the law, officers of ICT administrations are performing round the clock duties in Ramazan bazaars as well as supply depots of flour and sugar. Moreover, a comprehensive monitoring mechanism has also been put in place,” it added.

Chief Commissioner Amer Ali Ahmed personally visited some of these markets. Directions have been issued to DC Islamabad and officers of ICT administration to ensure that essential commodities are being supplied to markets non-stop.

Published in Dawn, April 25th, 2022