185 held for violating roti price orders

LAHORE: The Lahore police, in collaboration with the district administration, Saturday continued crackdown on those selling ‘roti’ at higher-than-fixed rate.

Over the past six days, 88 cases were registered and 185 people were arrested in various operations targeting those selling ‘roti’ at excessive rates. Lahore police spokesperson said in a statement here that 24 people selling expensive ‘roti’ were arrested in the City Division, 63 in Cantt Division, 32 in Civil Lines Division, eight in Saddar Division, 28 in Iqbal Town Division, and 30 in Model Town Division. Capital City Police Officer (CCPO) Lahore Bilal Siddique Kamyana said full assistance was being provided to the district administration in the ongoing campaign against selling ‘roti’ at higher rates. He instructed the police officers to stay in contact with the district administration and take immediate action against those selling ‘roti’ at higher price.

Meanwhile, Punjab Minister for Communication and Works Sohaib Ahmed Bharth on Saturday conducted surprise inspections of bread selling shops and tandoors in Talagang district to monitor the implementation new roti and naan prices. According to a handout, during his visits, the minister checked the weight of roti and naan to ensure compliance with the notified and reduced rates and engaged with citizens to discuss the new pricing.

The government’s strict enforcement measures have led to the inspection of 22,408 tandoor shops, resulting in the closure of 94 shops, fines totaling Rs11 million, and the arrest of 817 shop owners for non-compliance.