ICT admin, MCI committed to enforcing govt prescribed rates, over 30 arrested

Islamabad: Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI), has intensified efforts to ensure that all edibles in the markets of the Federal Capital are sold at government-prescribed rates.

To achieve this, district administration teams, accompanied by Assistant Commissioners (ACs), are conducting regular market checks to maintain commodity prices. In a recent operation, these teams raided Sunday markets and commercial areas, aiming to enforce official price lists and curb the use of plastic bags. Several arrests were made for overcharging, supplying banned items, and other violations.

Talking to APP, the ICT administration spokesperson stated that Assistant Commissioners had been deployed across the city to ensure the availability of goods at government-approved rates. Inspections were carried out throughout the day, and strict action was taken against violators. During one such operation, 15 individuals were arrested for overcharging customers. A vendor was also detained for supplying banned plastic bags. Additionally, Price Control Magistrates were present to monitor compliance and assist citizens.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz Memon, urged citizens to report price violations immediately. He also encouraged residents to support the ongoing campaign against plastic bags, emphasising their harmful impact on the environment. AC Shalimar conducted inspections at the Sector F-10 market, where eight individuals were arrested for violating the official price list. Grocery stores, fruit stalls, and bakery vendors were inspected during the operation.

DC Islamabad reminded shoppers to verify prices against the government-issued rate list and report vendors failing to comply with the rules. Similarly, AC Industrial Area arrested four individuals at G-9 Markaz and imposed fines amounting to Rs15,000 for overcharging. In Sector F-5, AC City arrested five shopkeepers for similar violations. The crackdowns also focused on reducing the use of plastic bags. DC Islamabad reiterated the administration’s commitment to addressing environmental pollution caused by single-use plastics.

Citizens were urged to avoid such products and report violators. The Islamabad district administration’s ongoing efforts aim to enforce government regulations, protect consumer rights, and promote environmental sustainability. Citizens are encouraged to cooperate with authorities to ensure compliance and enhance the urban environment.