LAHORE: More than 525 shopkeepers were arrested for overcharging in the last five days during a massive crackdown on profiteers by the district administration in different areas of the city, said Lahore Deputy Commissioner Sumair Ahmed Syed on Sunday.
He said that price control magistrates (PCMs) were visiting 700-900 shops on a daily basis to ensure availability of commodities as prescribed rates. He said 150 shopkeepers were issued challan tickets and a sum of Rs 363,000 had been collected by imposing fine on profiteers.
He said that managers of mega stores were also among those arrested. “We are holding an important meeting with the representatives of commission agents and office bearers of fruits and vegetables markets to lessen the price of tomato. We are ensuring the sale of tomato at Rs 70 per kg.
The deputy commissioner also directed assistant commissioners and PCMs to remain present in the field. “It is our top priority to provide best quality fruit and vegetables to the citizens on cheap rates. We will not tolerate the issue of overcharging,” he said, adding that there would be a noticeable reduction in the tomato and poultry price in days to come.
