The hoarders and shopkeepers defied the official price lists of vegetables and fruits and have been selling the essential commodities for Ramazan at inflated prices as price control magistrates failed to implement the official rates.
The inflated prices are being charged across the metropolis Lahore from the markets to the shops across the city.
The shopkeepers are selling the products at inflated prices and profiteering has reached a peak in the city despite the strict orders of the Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif to serve the masses in Ramazan.
The prices of the market and rate list of other vegetables including onions, potatoes, and chickpeas are being sold at inflated prices.
The shopkeepers put the whole blame on the supply chain as they got the products and essential commodities on already inflated prices from the vegetable market. As per estimates, every single item has been expensive by Rs40 to Rs150 per kg depending upon the market.
Must Read: Maryam Nawaz admits Punjab has no system to control prices
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif in conversation with journalists said that Punjab has no price control system but vowed that government has been taking steps to control inflation.
“We are cracking down, there will be no exception,” Punjab CM vowed.
Maryam Nawaz said: “Prices go down all over the world but in Pakistan, prices go up.” Punjab’s first female chief minister said there are serious governance issues that will the time to resolve.
“Chief Secretary to send reports of all districts daily. We will do the appropriate expenses. The basic right of the people of Punjab will be given to them,” he said.
No concession for rule breakers
Punjab CMs clarified to the opponents that in the guise of politics and democracy, people should not bring instability to the country. She vowed that there would be no concession for violators.
“I saw a video of a woman who attacked a police van and rescued people. In which country does it happen to attack and rescue people,” she said.
“If you think that you will use your democratic right to spread chaos in the country, then I will not let this happen at all. And this matter does not fall into political vendetta. If you are going to take to the streets, you have to be a responsible citizen,” Punjab CM said.
Maryam Nawaz clarified law will take its course if there is an apprehension of harming public or government property.
