By Moin Ullah Shah
KARACHI: The city administration in Karachi continued its campaign against profiteers, introducing special measures to ensure the availability of fruits and vegetables at officially fixed prices.
Action was taken against 290 profiteers over two days, with fines totalling Rs754,000 imposed and three shops sealed. Assistant commissioners checked prices at 1,083 locations during the campaign.
According to details released by the office of the commissioner, assistant commissioners also ensured the sale of items at official rates through auctions at 132 locations. The measures were taken on the directives of Syed Hassan Naqvi, who ordered strict enforcement of official prices across the city.
A district-wise breakdown showed that fines of Rs183,000 were imposed on 90 profiteers in Central district, Rs158,000 on 49 profiteers in East district, and Rs48,000 on 29 profiteers in Keamari district, where three shops were also sealed.
Further fines included Rs88,000 on 29 profiteers in Korangi district, Rs73,000 on 27 profiteers in Malir district, Rs185,000 on 52 profiteers in South district, and Rs14,800 on 13 profiteers in West district.
The commissioner directed all deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners to continue auctioning food items at official rates and expand the process to as many locations as possible. He also instructed deputy commissioners to take indiscriminate action against violators and ensure strict adherence to official prices.
Under his instructions, assistant commissioners conducted auctions of fruits and vegetables at official rates in their respective subdivisions to ensure compliance. The initiative was appreciated by citizens.
