LAHORE: The Punjab government continued its crackdown on those selling roti at higher prices on Friday, arresting 115 vendors, registering 25 cases, sealing seven tandoors, and imposing fines of more than Rs1.6 million in different districts.

The report regarding the actions of price magistrates against profiteers was presented in the meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman to review the implementation of the reduction in roti prices.

The chief secretary directed deputy commissioners to intensify the ongoing crackdown on those selling roti at higher rates and take stern action as per the law over violations of the price list. He said the cut in the price of roti aimed to provide relief to the people. After the reduction in the price of wheat flour, he noted there was no justification for selling roti at higher than the notified rate.

The chief secretary instructed the special branch and urban unit to send a daily report about monitoring roti prices. He also issued instructions to the deputy commissioners to ensure the timely resolution of complaints about overcharging received on the Qeemat Punjab app.

The industries department secretary gave a briefing at the meeting. He said the price magistrates conducted inspections of 6,000 places on Thursday and detected overcharging at 638 points.

Published in Dawn, April 27th, 2024