RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government on Friday directed the district administrations of Rawalpindi division to increase the number of Sahulat b azaars to provide essential commodities to the public at reasonable rates.

In this regard, Commissioner Aamer Khattak, while presiding over the meeting, directed all the Deputy Commissioners to identify the places where these bazaars are supposed to be established.

He directed the administration to establish such markets in a timely manner so that affordable goods can easily beprovided to the citizens.

Also, price magistrates should be kept fully active in the field.

He directed the administrations of Rawalpindi, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Murree to ensure transparency in all operations and take indiscriminate action against the elements creating artificial inflation.

He said that providing relief to the people is the top priority of the government and all available resources should be utilised for this purpose. Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema, Rawalpindi Municipal Corporation and officials of other departments were also present in the meeting.

During the meeting, the Rawalpindi commissioner was given a detailed briefing on the operations related to checking the prices and quality of food items in various tehsils of Rawalpindi district during the last 24 hours.

More than 4,750 inspections were carried out in Tehsil Gujar Khan, 3,850 in Kahuta, 1,500 in Kallar Syedan, 5,064 in Rawalpindi Cantonment, 5,230 in City, 2,948 in Saddar and 4,995 in Taxila.

A total of 65 inspections were carried out during these operation overcharging cases were reported, a fine of Rs279,500 was imposed, seven shops were sealed and 13 people were arrested.

Meanwhile, in separate meeting, the commissioner directed the administrations of six districts of Rawalpindi division to take practical steps for implementation of Punjab government vision of clean drinking water for all.

He directed all DCs to propose sites for installation of new filtration plants. He said that the Punjab chief minsterwas launching comprehensive drinking water supply projects across the province.

For said purpose, he directed deputy commissioners to identify the places on the basis of need and usage. Plants needs to be installed as per need of the area where more and more people could be provided clean drinking.

In addition, Chief Minister has also pointed out that the problem of water supply in Murree should be taken up on a priority basis and the delays in the construction and expansion of Rawalpindi’s Leh Nullah to be resolved expeditiously which will significantly reduce the problems of the twin cities.

He directed the administration officials to visit various areas across the division to ensure clean water is supplied to the citizens.

He directed them to identify locations for water filtration plants, review the condition of existing filtration plants and submit recommendations for installation of new plants in the next two days.

He said that clean water is the basic need and right of every citizen and Punjab government is taking serious steps in this regard. All the agencies concernedshould cooperate with the administration to ensure the implementation of this projects as soon as possible.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2025