Large-Scale Crackdown Against Profiteers, Hoarders Underway Ahead of Ramazan

By Muhammad Shahzad | Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: Secretary Food Safety and Consumer Protection Dr Kiran Khurshid has announced that a large-scale crackdown against profiteers and hoarders is underway across Punjab ahead of the holy month of Ramazan.
In a statement, she said that over the past four days, price control magistrates conducted raids at more than 391,000 locations in various districts of the province. As a result, strict action was taken against approximately 21,800 profiteers involved in overcharging essential commodities. Authorities registered 55 cases, arrested 561 individuals, and imposed fines amounting to Rs11.905 million.
To ensure the availability of flour at notified rates during Ramazan, 21,300 locations were inspected. Action was taken against 964 individuals for overcharging flour, with 21 arrests made and fines totaling Rs611,000 imposed.
Dr Khurshid further stated that 1,670 butchers were penalized for selling broiler chicken meat at inflated prices. Two cases were registered, 49 individuals were arrested, and fines of Rs964,000 were imposed.
In efforts to ensure roti is sold at government-fixed prices, price control magistrates carried out raids at 68,970 locations. Strict action was taken against 5,568 naanbais and hotel owners for overcharging. Eleven cases were registered, 151 individuals were arrested, and fines exceeding Rs1.94 million were imposed.
Similarly, to ensure uninterrupted sugar supply during Ramazan, inspections were conducted at 17,760 locations. Legal action was initiated against 940 individuals involved in profiteering, with 35 arrests and fines exceeding Rs603,000.
Dr Kiran Khurshid emphasized that there would be zero tolerance for profiteering and hoarding during Ramazan, adding that a coordinated strategy is being implemented to maintain price stability and ensure the quality and availability of essential food items across the province.