ISLAMABAD
The Islamabad district administration has intensified its efforts to enforce price controls during Ramazan, with officials conducting 3,786 inspections and imposing fines totalling Rs 377,000 in the first 10 days of the holy month.
The spokesman of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) confirmed that 605 sellers were arrested for overcharging, while 11 shops were sealed for hoarding or violating government-mandated price lists. In this regard, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad, Irfan Nawaz Memon has ordered magistrates to expedite penalties and ensure immediate action against violators.
It is pertinent to mention here that eight Assistant Commissioners (ACs) and 26 Magistrates are always present in six Ramazan bazaars and 17 fair price shops across the city, offering relief to residents during this sacred time, to control price hike.
The district administration teams reported a surge in inspections to monitor prices of essential goods during Ramazan. A total of 26 price control magistrates were deployed across markets, leading to 3,786 enforcement actions. These included issuing fines, confiscating goods, and shutting down non-compliant businesses.
Meanwhile, eleven shops were sealed for hoarding items or failing to display official price lists. Magistrates also arrested 605 retailers for selling products above government-set rates. The crackdown comes amid heightened demand for staples like flour, sugar, and cooking oil during the fasting month.
Violators faced penalties for overcharging, stockpiling, or refusing to adhere to official pricing guidelines. DC Irfan Memon emphasized that magistrates must issue fines on the spot to deter violations. “No leniency will be shown to those exploiting citizens,” Memon stated. He directed magistrates to conduct daily inspections and prioritize complaints about overpricing.
Meanwhile, residents have welcomed the measures but urge stricter monitoring in crowded markets. “Prices of vegetables and fruits fluctuate daily.
