CS orders enforcing official price of sugarDCs told to ensure compliance, enhance FBR coordination for stock monitoring

By Our Staff Reporter Farzana Chaudhry

LAHORE: The Punjab government has directed all district administrations to strictly enforce the sale of sugar at officially notified rates across the province.

Presiding over a video-link meeting of Deputy Commissioners at the Civil Secretariat on Tuesday, Chief Secretary Punjab Zahid Akhtar Zaman ordered implementation of fixed sugar prices — Rs171 per kilogram ex-mill and Rs179 per kilogram retail.

The Chief Secretary emphasized that protecting public interest is the foremost responsibility of administrative officers. “Overcharging and profiteering will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he asserted, directing that indiscriminate action be taken against those selling sugar above the official rate.

Mr. Zaman further instructed all Deputy Commissioners to strengthen coordination with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and other federal agencies to ensure effective monitoring of sugar stocks. He said that price magistrates must remain active in the field to conduct regular inspections and maintain price control.

He stressed that price stability must be ensured through proactive and efficient administrative measures, adding that protecting consumers from exploitation remains the government’s top priority.

Secretary Price Control Ms. Kiran Khurshid briefed the meeting on the ongoing crackdown against profiteers and hoarders. Director General of Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) and other senior officers attended the session, while all Deputy Commissioners joined via video link.