TAXILA: The district administration launched a crackdown on profiteers across the district through special price magistrates, and as many as 429 shopkeepers were arrested during the campaign.

Attock Deputy Commissioner Rao Atif Raza revealed this while briefing the journalists on Saturday about the anti-profiteering campaign launched by the district administration during Ramazan.

Mr Raza said that the district administration has begun a campaign to curb hoarding and profiteering.

Responding to a question, Deputy Commissioner Attock said that 35,602 inspections were carried out by the special price magistrates across the district since the commencement of the Ramazan, during which over 500 shopkeepers and stallholders were found overcharging.

Mr Raza added that the violators of the official price list were all fined a total of over Rs2.5 million, and FIRs were registered against the shopkeepers of milk, fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, flour, bakery, and other kitchen items for hoarding and profiteering.

He said in collaboration with the weight and measures department, numerous butcher shops were also heavily fined for violations of the official price list.

In response to another question, Mr Raza said that teams of assistant commissioners and price control magistrates are regularly inspecting their assigned Ramazan bazaars and markets, adding that actions are being taken against profiteers and the prices and quality of essential items are being ensured.

Mr Raza further expressed that profiteering and hoarding would not be tolerated at any cost, and violators would be treated with iron hands.

Moreover, price control magistrates have been directed to continue crackdowns on a daily basis and check shops situated in any nook and cranny of the district under the vision to ensure maximum relief for the masses during the Ramazan.

Published in Dawn, March 31st, 2024