By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: Murad Ali Shah chaired a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister’s House on preparations for Ramazan, directing authorities to intensify price monitoring and ensure uninterrupted utilities during sehri and iftar.
The chief minister said the holy month demanded collective responsibility, with particular attention to low-income households. “Ramazan is a blessed month. We must take care of one another, especially the poor,” he said, warning that hoarders and profiteers typically become active during this period and must be stopped.
Briefing the meeting, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah said 480 officers had been granted magisterial powers across the province to monitor prices and take direct action against profiteers and hoarders. Of them, 50 officers have been placed at the disposal of the Karachi commissioner.
A total of 195 complaint cells have been established province-wide on the chief minister’s instructions, including 65 centers in Karachi’s supermarkets. Commissioners, deputy commissioners and DIGs joined the meeting via video link from divisional headquarters, while representatives of Hyderabad Electric Supply Company and Sukkur Electric Power Company also participated remotely.
Shah directed power and gas utilities to avoid load-shedding during sehri and iftar hours, stressing that citizens should not face disruptions at critical times. He also instructed the DIG traffic to ensure smooth vehicular flow after the 15th of Ramazan, when congestion typically increases.
Officials informed the meeting that subsidized flour stalls would be set up at designated locations, while essential commodities would be offered at discounted rates at major retail outlets. The session also reviewed notified market rates for essential goods.
The chief minister ordered strict control over the prices of meat, pulses, rice, vegetables and fruit, noting that fruit prices often surge sharply during Ramazan. He also directed the water board to maintain steady supply and improve drainage systems across the city.
In Hyderabad division, officials reported that 55 major markets were operating under revised price lists, with 23 complaint cells and 68 monitoring teams conducting regular inspections. Charity-backed low-cost bazaars are being organized, and free sehri and iftar meals will be provided at multiple locations.
“Ramazan is a sacred month to gather blessings and show empathy,” Shah said, concluding the meeting with prayers for the prosperity and well-being of the people.
