Punjab livestock secretary warns profiteers, hoarders

FAISALABAD: On the directions of CM Shahbaz Sharif, the prices of essential items would be kept under control during Ramazan and profiteers and hoarders would be dealt with iron hands, said Punjab Livestock Secretary Nasim Sadiq.
Presiding over a meeting at the Commissioner Office here on Tuesday, he said that the consumers would be provided every possible relief during the holy month and the government had made elaborated measures for the purpose. He said that CM Shahbaz Sharif had announced Rs 5 billion Ramazan package under which sugar and flour would be provided to the consumers on subsidised prices at the Ramazan Bazaars and fair price shops. He said that the stalls of the Market Committee would also be set up in the Ramazan Bazaars and 13 different items of good quality, including fruits, vegetables and pulses, would be available at the stalls.
He asked the traders to extend cooperation as they had always been remained very helpful with the government for supplying the essential items on reasonable prices during Ramazan. He warned that the regular inspection of godowns would be made. The secretary said that the government was watching the supply of pulses and other grain items and the Faisalabad Grain Market was very important in this regard. He urged the grain market traders to play an exemplary role during the holy month to make Ramazan Bazaars a success.
Commissioner Nasim Nawaz said that comprehensive measures had been made for providing relief to the consumers. He said that coordinated efforts should be mobilised for ensuring uninterrupted supply of vegetables, fruits, pulses and other kitchen items to Ramazan Bazaars. Incharge Dastarkhawan Programme Haji Nawaz Khokhar said that Iftar and Sehr Dastarkhawan would be set up.
The DCOs said that meetings with the traders of grain and vegetable markets had been conducted for ensuring the supply of essential goods in Ramazan Bazaars and the special price control magistrates had been mobilised to check the prices in the open market to discourage profiteering.