817 arrested, 347 booked for selling roti at high rate

LAHORE:The Punjab government is ensuring implementation of new prices of roti and naan and 817 people were arrested, 347 cases registered and fines of more than Rs11.7 million imposed on those involved in overcharging during the last five days.

A report regarding the actions was presented during a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman, at the Civil Secretariat. The administrative secretaries of industries and food departments, Chairman PITB and officers concerned attended the meeting while all divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners participated through video link.

The chief secretary said that the reduction in the price of roti is a great initiative of the Punjab government to provide relief to the people, adding that the availability at new rates would be ensured in any case.

He mentioned that the new price of roti was fixed, keeping in mind the cut in the price of flour and other expenses, adding that there is no justification for selling at a higher price. He directed that Price Control Magistrates must remain active in the field for monitoring the rates. The secretary industries gave a detailed briefing at the meeting.

He said that so far more than 22,000 tandoors have been inspected and 94 of them have been sealed. In 10 districts including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Faisalabad, the price of Roti has been fixed at Rs16, while its price has been fixed at Rs 15 in 26 districts.

He maintained that the price of roti in DG Khan and Rajanpur has been set at Rs13 while it has been fixed at Rs12 in Muzaffargarh and Kot Addu. He said banners showing new price of roti have been displayed at tandoors and in case of overcharging the citizens can lodge complaints on the Qeemat Punjab App or complaint cell No. 08000-2345.