KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has issued strict directives to regulate food prices across the province, emphasising that artificial price hikes and hoarding would not be tolerated, so essential commodity prices must be managed during Ramazan.
During a high-level meeting on price control he presided over at the CM House on Monday, Shah reminded officials that the 2022 anti-profiteering law empowers the government to seize and auction hoarded goods to prevent market manipulation. He directed them to ensure the seizure of hoarded goods and their auction.
The Karachi commissioner said that over 250 Bachat Bazaars (discount markets) are operating in the city to provide relief to residents. The CM stressed that these markets must be well-organised and effectively regulated for their smooth operations and to prevent vehicular traffic congestion.
He also directed the deputy commissioners, through divisional commissioners, to regularly visit markets to monitor prices and curb unnecessary food cost inflation. He ordered the officials concerned that price lists be printed and distributed promptly.
He instructed the officials to monitor compliance with the price lists closely throughout Ramazan. He also emphasised that major retail stores be compelled to maintain reasonable prices.
Expressing concern about gas shortages, the CM demanded uninterrupted supplies of gas,water and electricity during Ramazan. He instructed Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab to ensure adequate water supply in the city.
He also directed Sindh Energy Minister Nasir Hussain Shah to immediately contact the power distribution companies of the province to prevent electricity outages during the holy month.
The CM reiterated the commitment of his government to protect the residents of Karachi from price exploitation, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free Ramazan for the people of the city.Tampered vehiclesDuring another meeting, the CM directed Sindh Excise & Taxation Minister Mukesh Kumar Chawla to begin impounding non-custom-paid vehicles and those with tampered chassis numbers that are being driven in the city.
Chawla said his department has already impounded four vehicles being used by Customs officers in the city. These vehicles did not have valid number plates, and their chassis numbers had been tampered with, he added.
The CM issued clear directives to both the excise police and the district police to take action against such vehicles by impounding them, and report back to him.
