BY AMJAD YOUSAF ZAI
HASSAN ABDAL: The district administration in Attock has intensified its crackdown on profiteering during Ramadan, arresting 46 shopkeepers and fining 103 others, with Rs506,000 recovered in penalties so far.
Deputy Commissioner Rao Atif Raza said price control magistrates have conducted 4,857 inspections across all six tehsils of the district since the start of the holy month to enforce official price lists and curb overpricing.
Briefing reporters on Tuesday, he said First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered against 46 shopkeepers under relevant price control laws in Hassan Abdal, Fateh Jang, Jand, Hazro, Pindigheb and Attock city. The campaign targets traders found violating officially notified rates for essential commodities.
According to the deputy commissioner, the drive aims to provide relief to citizens during Ramadan and discourage unfair profiteering practices. He said price control magistrates have been directed to ensure strict monitoring of markets and maintain price stability.
Rao Atif Raza stated that the administration is following a policy of zero tolerance against overcharging and hoarding. Officers have been instructed to actively check prices and use their legal authority where necessary. He warned that any official found negligent in enforcing price controls would be held accountable.
He added that the price control mechanism is being strengthened through daily monitoring, and market inspection teams have been assigned to conduct regular checks to keep essential items affordable.
Responding to a question, the deputy commissioner said the operation would continue throughout Ramadan to ensure price stability across the district. He also encouraged citizens to report cases of overpricing to local authorities.
Officials reiterated that strict legal action, including possible imprisonment and fines under applicable laws, may be taken against traders found selling food and daily necessities at inflated rates.
