Crackdown on sugar hoarding launched
Amid the severity of the ongoing sugar crisis, the Punjab government has launched a sweeping crackdown against price gouging and hoarding in all districts, including Rawalpindi.
The provincial Secretary for Price Control and Commodities has directed all district administrations to intensify enforcement across the province.
To ensure uninterrupted action, all leaves for price magistrates, district food controllers, relevant officers, and field staff have been cancelled. Additionally, transfers and new postings for these officials have been placed on hold.
The officials have been instructed to operate on a 24-hour basis, taking immediate action against retailers found hoarding sugar or selling it above the government-mandated price.
Corresponding orders have also been issued to all Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners (DCs) throughout the province.
In the Rawalpindi Division — which comprises the districts of Rawalpindi, Attock, Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, and Murree — a stringent enforcement campaign is already underway to ensure that sugar is sold at the official rate of Rs 173 per kilogram.
In the past 24 hours alone, authorities have taken action against 142 shopkeepers, imposed fines amounting to Rs289,000, sealed 31 shops, detained nine shopkeepers, and lodged 13 FIRs against 13 individuals.
Rawalpindi DC Hassan Waqar Cheema emphasised that the administration is committed to ensuring compliance with the official sugar price.
He noted that while setting profit margins isn't within the administration's mandate, enforcing fixed pricing is a top priority.
He added that the crackdown is being carried out both day and night, and any seized hoarded sugar will be released into the market at the government-approved rate.
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