Crackdown on profiteers in Punjab ordered

LAHORE: Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has said profiteers are enemies of the people and indiscriminate crackdown should be launched against them. He said advance measures should be taken to control prices in open markets to provide relief to the people.

The chief minister presided over a meeting to review measures to set up Ramazan Bazaars.Addressing the meeting, he said special relief will be provided to the people during Ramazan as Ramazan Bazaars will be set up across the province where top quality food items will be available at low price.

The meeting decided to set up 318 agriculture fair price shops where fruits and vegetables will be sold at wholesale rate and subsidy will be provided on gram flour, gram pulse, dates, bananas and apples.

He said no compromise will be made on the quality of edible items and sufficient supply of essential items, fruits and vegetables should be  ensured. He said there should be no complaint of shortage or unavailability of any food item and for this purpose, all departments concerned should make arrangements well in advance. He said the rates of all food items should be displayed on digital boards in Ramazan bazaars and excellent cleanliness arrangements should also be made. He said DCs and DPOs concerned will monitor auction process in markets.

The chief minister said profiteers are enemies of the people and indiscriminating crackdown should be launched against them. He said advance measures should be taken to control prices in open markets to provide relief to the people and no stone should be left unturned to ensure stability in prices and availability of daily use commodities. He said Ramazan is the month to collect blessings of Allah Almighty and all departments concerned should make extra efforts for this purpose. Shahbaz Sharif said he will personally monitor measures aimed at providing relief to the people.