With fruit and vegetable prices escalating in Pakistan during Ramadan, the Karachi administration has increased efforts to regulate costs and curb profiteering. Special magistrate powers have been granted to government officers for effective price control.
Provincial Management Service (Grade-17) officers have been enlisted by the Karachi Commissioner to assist in this task. Under Section 14-A of the Criminal Procedure Code of 1898, these officers can take immediate legal action, including filing cases against violators. Eleven officers are assigned to each district, including East, West, Central, South, Keamari, Malir, and Korangi, to maintain price stability during Ramadan.
These officers report to their respective district deputy commissioners to address profiteering and high inflation. Measures are expected to protect citizens from exploitation and ensure access to essential items. Public appeals have been made urging businesses and citizens to cooperate and adopt ethical practices.
High inflation during Ramadan has been a persistent issue, and these initiatives by the Karachi administration demonstrate their approach to addressing it. Earlier, on the directives of Commissioner Karachi, the Deputy Commissioner South conducted price-checking operations in Saddar Market. Several vendors and shop owners were fined for exceeding officially regulated rates.
Comprehensive inspections across various stalls and shops in Saddar resulted in fines, arrests, and the sealing of some establishments for pricing violations.
Source: ARY News