KARACHI: The Sindh government has finalised administrative and price-control strategies for the holy month of Ramzan, with officers across the province granted magisterial powers to monitor prices and take direct action against profiteers.

The provincial government has directed utility providers to ensure there is no electricity or gas loadshedding during Sehr and Iftar, while the police will maintain law and order, including traffic management.

The decisions were taken during a high-level meeting presided over by Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Wednesday.

The meeting was attended by provincial ministers Jam Khan Shoro, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar and Riaz Shah Shirazi, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, IG Police Javed Alam Odho, Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi, provincial secretaries and representatives of K-Electric (KE) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC). Commissioners and DIGs from other divisions, along with representatives of Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (Hesco) and Sukkur Electric Power Company (Sepco), participated via video link.

Murad asks KE, Hesco, Sepco and SSGC to ensure zero power and gas loadshedding during Sehri and Iftar

The chief secretary briefed the meeting that, with the approval of the CM, 480 officers across the province had been granted magisterial powers to monitor prices and take direct action against profiteers.

At least 50 additional officers have been placed at the disposal of the Karachi commissioner specifically for Ramzan duties.

The meeting also reviewed current market rates and notifications for essential commodities. Recent notifications (as of mid-Feb) have set official rates for items such as beef (Rs1,000-1,300/kg), mutton (Rs2,200/kg), live broiler chicken (Rs334/kg) and sugar (Rs140/kg), providing a benchmark for enforcement.

The chief minister directed the Karachi commissioner to start price checking from the next day and ensure that commodities, fruits and other edibles are sold in accordance with the government rate list.

He said that Ramzan is a month of blessings and urged all stakeholders to care for the underprivileged.

He issued stern warnings against hoarders and profiteers who exploit the public during this period, directing officials to take immediate action against such elements.

To ensure public grievances are addressed promptly, the chief minister authorised several measures, including the establishment of 195 complaint cells across the province.

Forty-nine complaint camps are being set up in major markets throughout Karachi. Sixty-five special counters (and up to 71 deputy commissioner counters in some districts) are being established in various marts and supermarkets in Karachi to monitor retail prices.

In addition, concession stalls will be set up at designated locations — including Kemari sites such as Kifayah Mart and Metro Cash & Carry — to provide subsidised essential goods.

Divisions present Ramzan plans

During the meeting, Hyderabad Commissioner Fayaz Abbasi informed the chief minister that the Hyderabad division has 55 major markets, for which price lists and instructions have been issued. Similarly, 23 complaint cells have been set up, and 68 teams will continuously visit different areas of the city.

Sukkur and Larkana Commissioner Abid Saleem briefed the chief minister that the administration has maintained atta prices throughout the division. Fifty-one officers will oversee price control in both divisions. One dastarkhwan in Larkana and two in Sukkur are being organised.

Traffic, civic management

During the meeting, the chief minister tasked the DIG Traffic with managing rush-hour congestion, with a special focus on the period from 3pm to Iftar and on nighttime traffic after the 15th of Ramzan.

He directed KE, Hesco, Sepco and SSGC to ensure zero loadshedding during Sehri and Iftar to facilitate citizens. He also directed the Karachi mayor to ensure water supply in the city.

He instructed the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board to ensure proper cleanliness of the city, warning that complaints about non-compliance would not be tolerated.

He tasked the concerned departments to ensure that the people of Sindh do not face any unnecessary ordeals and ordered them not to compromise on their duties for a peaceful Ramzan.

Published in Dawn, February 19th, 2026