ISLAMABAD: The Monitoring Committee was informed that 117 shopkeepers and vendors had been arrested for overcharging in Ramazan.

The first meeting of the committee formed to ensure the provision of essential food items at affordable prices to the public in Islamabad in Ramazan was held under the chairmanship of its convener Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Thursday.

The meeting was attended by federal minister Hanif Abbasi, Secretary Interior Khurram Agha, Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Mohammad Ali Randhawa, IG Islamabad Ali Nasir Rizvi and other relevant officers.

According to a press release, a detailed review was conducted regarding the provision of essential food items at affordable prices through the Ramazan Relief Package, including the establishment of subsidised bazaars and stalls.

The meeting was told under relief package, five major subsidised bazaars and 20 stalls had been set up in various sectors. Joint teams, in collaboration with the Islamabad police and district administration, have been formed to regularly monitor and control the prices.

The meeting was informed that the joint teams had not only imposed fines but also taken legal action against violators, resulting in the arrest of 117 individuals so far.

The prices of essential food items in subsidised bazaars and stalls were comparatively lower than those in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The relief package has ensured the availability of essential food items in abundant quantities at these subsidised bazaars and stalls, said the statement.

The meeting was told that sugar was being provided at Rs130 per kilogramme at the special stalls.

The committee directed that the availability of sugar in sufficient quantities be ensured and the number of sugar stalls be increased. Additionally, the district administration was instructed to devise a strategy to reduce the prices of ghee, flour, sugar, chicken, and eggs in the subsidised markets.

The committee directed the assistant commissioners and the price control magistrates to ensure the availability of essential food items at official prices in their respective areas.

The committee emphasised strict action against those charging more than the official prices or engaging in profiteering. It also directed that helpline numbers and WhatsApp contact details of officials be shared to facilitate consumers visiting the Ramazan subsidised markets.

Later, the monitoring committee visited the subsidised bazaars and stalls and reviewed the prices.

Published in Dawn, March 7th, 2025