KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed the Karachi commissioner to set up a price management committee to curb overcharging and profiteering during the month of Ramazan.

According to a press release issued here, the CM issued such directives while reviewing a report regarding a crackdown on profiteers in the metropolis.

In the report, the commissioner informed the CM that local administration had taken actions against profiteers and a crackdown on price manipulation had been initiated in all districts of Karachi division.

In the four-day campaign, over Rs3 million fines were imposed against profiteers in seven districts.

Asks commissioner to set up price management body

It said that the district administration imposed total Rs1 million fines in South, Rs765,000 in East, around Rs312,000 in West, Rs869,000 in Central, Rs250,500 in Malir, Rs295,000 in Korangi, and Rs123,000 fines were imposed on profiteers in district Keamari.

The CM also instructed other divisional commissioners to take meaningful action to curb price hike in Ramazan, ensure cleanliness and smooth flow of traffic.

Meanwhile, on the direction of CM, the Karachi commissioner asked exporter to first address local demands of essential commodities such as fruits, vegetables and onions.

The exporters assured the provincial government that they would first prioritise the needs of local residents before exporting goods.

Published in Dawn, March 11th, 2024