Punjab intensifies crackdown on profiteers, hoarders

LAHORE: The Punjab government has intensified action against profiteers, hoarders and over-chargers across the province with more than 753, 000 inspections conducted during the last 15 days, Secretary Food Safety and Consumer Protection Dr Kiran Khursheed said on Thursday. She said the price control magistrates conducted more than 753, 000 inspections in different markets of Punjab during the period. Fines exceeding Rs 9. 96 million were imposed for violations of laws, overcharging and failure to display official rate lists. According to Dr Khursheed, 238 cases were registered and 865 people were arrested during the crackdown. She added that 53 shops of profiteers and other violators were also sealed. For enforcement of officially fixed bread prices, 158, 931 inspections were conducted. During these inspections, 86 cases were registered against people involved in overcharging, 254 people were arrested and fines amounting to Rs1. 537 million were imposed. Regarding chicken prices, 38, 673 inspections were carried out, with overcharging detected at 3, 284 locations. Twelve cases were registered, 61 people were arrested and fines of Rs1. 055 million were imposed for selling chicken at higher prices. Dr Khursheed said 32, 918 inspections were conducted to ensure the uninterrupted supply of flour and its sale at official rates. Overcharging was reported at 1, 661 locations, resulting in the arrest of 16 people. She said 31, 208 inspections were conducted to check the prices of basmati rice. As many as 32 people were arrested for profiteering and fines exceeding Rs408, 000 were imposed. Five FIRs were registered over overcharging of sugar, while 18 people were detained. During checks of gram (chana dal) prices, four cases were registered and 22 people were arrested. The secretary said 24 people were arrested for overcharging on vegetable oil and ghee, while fines of Rs210, 000 were imposed. In action against profiteering and overcharging of eggs, 13 cases were registered, 38 people were arrested and fines exceeding Rs273, 000 were imposed. Action was also taken against the sale of tomatoes at higher prices, with six cases registered and 16 people arrested. Dr Khursheed said inspections by price control magistrates were continuing on a daily basis to ensure the availability of food items to consumers at affordable prices and according to prescribed standards. She said no concession would be given to those violating the law. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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