TAXILA: The tehsil administration has stepped up its crackdown against profiteering during the holy month of Ramazan, sealing 11 shops and sending five shopkeepers to jail on Saturday for violating official price lists and overcharging customers in various markets across Taxila.
The enforcement drive was led by Assistant Commissioner Maria Javaid, who supervised a joint inspection campaign alongside price control magistrates in various parts of the twin cities of Taxila and Wah.
The team conducted extensive checks in major bazaars, inspecting chicken, beef and mutton outlets to ensure strict adherence to government-notified rates.
Prices of fruits, vegetables and other essential commodities were also closely monitored in Ahatta, model town, HMC road, Faisal Shaheed road, Jameelabad, Nawababad, Muneerabad, Asifabad, Shadman town, Gadwal, Mohra chowk, Lalarukh, Museum road, Sher Shah Suri road, Liaq Ali chowk, Anwar chowk and New city area.
During the operation, authorities carried out 355 inspections and imposed fines totalling Rs126,000 on violators. Eleven outlets were sealed over serious breaches, including overpricing and hoarding, while five shopkeepers were arrested and shifted to Adiala Jail.
Speaking on the occasion, Assistant Commissioner Maria Javaid said, “No artificial price hike will be allowed at any cost. The administration is committed to protecting citizens from exploitation, particularly during Ramadan.” She further warned traders that strict action would continue against those found violating official price lists. “Our operations will continue without any discrimination. All markets are being monitored regularly, and no one will be given special treatment,” she added, emphasising that the administration remains determined to ensure the availability of essential items at controlled prices.
Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2026
