ISLAMABAD, June 6: Prime Minister’s Adviser on Finance Dr Salman Shah said on Tuesday that the government had decided to take “serious action” against hoarders and profiteers.

“The government is appointing price magistrates in all districts for the implementation of the price mechanism law. These magistrates will be empowered to punish profiteers and hoarders for which the law has been amended,” he said.

Addressing a news conference, he said the government would not tolerate “undue price hike” as it was causing hardships to people. “Items like sugar and pulses will especially be monitored and those involved in hoarding and profiteering will be brought to book at any cost,” he said. A model vegetable market, he said, would be built in Islamabad and the chief ministers would ensure that similar markets were built in their provinces.