LAHORE, Sept 26: Chief Minister Pervaiz Elahi on Tuesday ordered the arrest of those found indulging in hoarding, profiteering and adulteration to ensure provision of items of daily use to people at affordable prices during Ramazan.

Price magistrates should become proactive to control hoarding and profiteering. They should conduct surprise raids and arrest profiteers and hoarders, he said while presiding over a meeting held to assess efforts to keep prices of essential items under control, and implementation of the Sasta Ration Scheme.

The chief minister ordered that the performance of all DCOs should be linked to their interest in controlling prices. Those failing to do so would be replaced, he said

He said no leniency should be shown to profiteers and hoarders.

Instead, they should be dealt with an iron hand, he said. He also ordered provision of low-priced wheat flour, sugar and pulses to people under the Sasta Ration Scheme.

The chief minister directed all DCOs in the province to strictly implement the strategy devised by the provincial government to stabilise prices of items of daily use and ensure their quality and proper supply.

He said the government was organising Sasta Ramazan Bazaars throughout the province where provision of items of daily use was being ensured at reduced prices, providing all necessary facilities to traders for the purpose.

The administration should also ensure provision of quality items to people. All efforts to control prices are being monitored through an effective system, he said.