ISLAMABAD: While prices of edible items have increased with the arrival of Ramazan, the district administration has launched a crackdown on profiteers.

During an operation launched on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, inspections were made at 112 points on Sunday and fines worth Rs11,800 were imposed on profiteers. Besides, three persons were also arrested.

A spokesperson for the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration, Dr Mohammad Abdullah Tabassum, said assistant commissioners inspected 112 points and warned shopkeepers against profiteering.

“Moreover, fines worth of Rs11,800 were imposed on shopkeepers and three of them were arrested. Three shops were also sealed.”

He said a magistrate also visited the fruit and vegetable market to ensure that edible items were sold on the rates fixed by the district administration.

“As many as eight persons were shifted to the Sabzi Mandi police station over violation of the deputy commissioner’s rate list and they were also fined,” he said.

It may be mentioned that on Sunday bananas were being sold for Rs400 per dozen, guava Rs400 per kilogramme (kg), papaya Rs200 per kg, apples Rs450 per kg, potatoes Rs300 per 5kg, onion Rs800 per 5kg and bitter gourd for Rs150 per kg at the fruit and vegetable market.

Dr Abdullah also said that the number of professional beggars had increased in Ramazan so an operation was started against them.

“On Sunday, seven beggars were rounded up from different areas and shifted to police stations. Moreover, ACs have been directed to seal illegal medical clinics operated by quacks,” he said.

He said an illegal petrol and three illegal LPG filling stations were sealed in different areas of the city.

“The city administration has decided to hold operations against profiteers and other illegalities so that the residents would not suffer and get edible items at affordable rates,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 27th, 2023