Strict campaign against artificial price-hike ordered in Punjab

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar has ordered the authorities to initiate a strict campaign against artificial price-hike and hoarding by activating price control committees at the district level across the province.

In a circular issued to the provincial minister and head of price control taskforce and chief secretary, CM Buzdar said that the price control committees be activated and provision of essential items be ensured at fixed rates in all districts of the province.

The CM  ordered the district price control committees to keep vigilance of the essential items’ rates, adding that the hoarders should be taken to task.

Likewise, the price control task force should take effective measures to resolve the issue of artificial price-hike across the province. He reiterated that people could not be left at the mercy of hoarders and added that any negligence would not be tolerated.

Buzdar said he would personally monitor steps against price-hike, hoarding and profiteering as these are an enemy of society as well as the law, he added. Meanwhile, a meeting of the provincial price control task force was called to review the measures for providing relief to the people.

Earlier, Prime Minister Imran Khan had directed a strict crackdown against those who were involved in wheat price-hike.

Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar had confirmed it by saying the prime minister showed a serious concern and ordered the authorities to take strict actions against the culprits.