LAHORE - Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has directed that departments concerned to take indiscriminate action against the profiteers and hoarders. He warned that increase of even a single penny will not be tolerated in the prices of fruits, vegetables and other essential items and their prices should be brought at the level of two months earlier.
He was presiding over a meeting with regard to reviewing the prices of essential items before Ramazanul Mubarak, on Friday.
The chief minister said DCOs and DPOs of the concerned districts should monitor the process of bid in the vegetable markets on daily basis. He said that a mechanism of digital monitoring should be evolved for supervising the process of bid.
“Provision of quality daily use items to the people at fixed prices is the responsibility of concerned departments. Quality of the items will be ensured at all costs,” he added. The chief minister directed that Food Authority should daily conduct tests of samples for ensuring quality of flour and other items. He directed that special attention should be paid to the quality of vegetables, fruits and daily use items.
“Interest of the people is dearer and no one will be allowed to exploit them. A comprehensive mechanism should be evolved for stabilising the prices of edible items during Ramazan. Commissioners, RPOs, DCOs and DPOs will personally monitor the quality and prices of edible items in Ramazan Bazaars and submit report daily,” the CM held.
The chief minister said that vegetables and fruits would be available at wholesale rates at agriculture fair price shops in Ramazan Bazaars. He said that beef and meat would also be provided at cheaper rates in Ramazan Bazaars throughout the province whereas sugar will be available at Rs45 per kg in Ramazan Bazaars. He warned that strict legal action will be taken against those selling daily use commodities at higher rates during Ramazan.
“District price control committees will monitor the arrangements of Ramazan Bazaars in their respective districts and keep a vigilant eye on the prices and quality of essential items. Arrangements made in the province will be monitored through latest technology,” he maintained.
Shahbaz said that 2,000 Madni Dastarkhawans wiould be set up for the facility of the people during Ramazan where free sehri and aftari will be available. He directed Inspector General Police to make foolproof security arrangements in Ramazan Bazaars. Additional Chief Secretary gave a detailed briefing with regard to arrangements made in Ramazan Bazaars.