RAWALPINDI: The divisional administration on Monday directed authorities to implement the officially notified meat and chicken prices in all markets across the division, including Rawalpindi, Attock, Murree, Chakwal and Jhelum.

An important meeting on price control in Rawalpindi Division was held under the chairmanship of Commissioner Abdul Aamer Khattak.

It was attended by heads of all relevant departments, assistant commissioners and price control magistrates. The commissioner directed that the consultation process with wholesalers and retailers should continue to ensure price stability.

He emphasised that providing relief to the public is the top priority and instructed the administration to make market monitoring more effective, ensure the prominent display of official price lists, and keep control rooms fully operational for the prompt redressal of public complaints.

During the briefing, it was stated that following a meeting with the Pakistan Poultry Association in Lahore, there has been a significant reduction in chicken prices. The commissioner directed that the newly reduced prices be immediately implemented in all markets across the division and that no shopkeeper be allowed to charge above the officially notified rates.

He further said that beef prices have also decreased and instructed that beef be made available at the officially notified rates in all markets. The meeting was informed that the Pakistan Poultry Association is providing substantial relief to the public.

The traders’ association is also extending full cooperation by establishing subsidised counters at major stores. Additionally, at all Sahulat Bazaars established with the support of the Government of Punjab, chicken meat will be available with a special subsidy of Rs15 per kilogram, while eggs will be provided at a special discount of Rs10 per dozen.

It was further highlighted that a key feature of the relief package is that all subsidy funds will be provided by the Pakistan Poultry Association itself, ensuring there will be no additional burden on the government treasury. The meeting was also informed that the supply of pulses across all districts of the division is primarily sourced from Faisalabad, and the wholesale market depends on the Faisalabad market.

Furthermore, fruit and vegetable markets in Murree district rely on Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Therefore, price determination there should take local ground realities into account, he said.

The commissioner also directed authorities to improve the supply chain to ensure there is no shortage of essential items.

Food items in Sasta bazaars

Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Mohammad Ali Randhawa on Monday directed assistant commissioners and price control magistrates to ensure the supply and availability of all necessary items at official prices in Sasta bazaars and markets.

He added that relevant officers must ensure their presence in Ramazan Bazaars and general markets and ensure the immediate resolution of public complaints. Mr Randhawa passed these directions during a visit to Ramazan Sahulat Bazaar in H-9 on Monday.

CDA Member Administration Talat Mehmood, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon and other officers were accompanying him, says a press release.

It said that he reviewed the provision of essential food items at affordable rates and their quality and also conducted a detailed inspection of the stock of various food commodities.

The CDA chief inquired from consumers about the prices and quality of food items. The consumers expressed satisfaction over the provision of food items, their quality and the arrangements.

According to the press release, relevant officers informed the CDA chairman that keeping in view the convenience of citizens, Ramazan subsidised markets had been established at seven locations across the city.

They said all essential items are available at government-fixed rates in the Ramazan Sahulat Bazaars, adding monitoring was being carried out on a daily basis to ensure compliance with the official rates.

The CDA and district administration are fully active to provide every possible relief to citizens. Strict actions are being taken against profiteers and hoarders. Digital payment and cashless system has been fully implemented in the Ramazan Sahulat Bazaar in accordance with the vision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi.

The chairman CDA said that all relevant departments should ensure effective coordination for an efficient system of cleanliness, security, and parking in the bazaar.

He said that strict action should be taken against those charging more than the official prices and engaging in illegal profiteering.

Published in Dawn, February 24th, 2026