By Moin Ullah Shah
KARACHI: The city administration intensified price control measures and action against roadside encroachments ahead of Ramazan, saying thousands of inspections had been carried out to ensure the availability of essential items at official rates and to keep traffic moving.
A report issued by the Commissioner’s office said assistant commissioners checked 2,429 locations between 10 and 17 February and took action in 554 cases of overpricing, imposing fines totalling Rs3.56m.
Syed Hassan Naqvi directed all deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners to prevent profiteering and ensure that official price lists were displayed prominently at markets and shops. The Bureau of Supply was tasked with distributing updated lists and monitoring compliance.
The administration also moved against encroachments affecting traffic flow. In Aram Bagh, Assistant Commissioner Hazim Bhangwar sealed 45 shops, while in Garden and Ibrahim Hyderi several establishments were warned and illegal structures removed.
District-wise data showed that 129 cases were reported in District South with fines of Rs1.6m, followed by 100 cases in District East with Rs770,000 in penalties and 97 cases in District Central with Rs425,000 in fines. Action was also taken in Keamari, Korangi and West districts.
The commissioner said a helpline, 1299, had been activated for citizens to lodge complaints about overpricing and encroachments. He added that special Ramazan price lists had been issued to provide relief to consumers and that strict legal action would be taken against traders who failed to comply.
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