Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Food, Haji Qalandar Khan Lodhi has said that profiteers, hoarders and adulterates will not be allowed to create artificial price-hike in the province. He directed the representatives of local governments and officials of food department and district administration for maintaining strict check on such elements.
He issued these directives during surprise visits to University Town, Board Bazaar, Phase-3 Flyover, Hayatabad. Besides, Secretary Food, Asmatullah Khan Gandapore, Director Food and Assistant Commissioner (AC) Peshawar, other officials also accompanied the minister.
The provincial minister for food directed the display of official price list in all business centres and shops in visible places. Otherwise, he said beside the imposition of heavy penalties, the violators will also face other punishments.
The provincial minister during surprise visit also checked different grocery shops, bakeries, vegetable, fruits, butchers, fresh milk sellers and restaurants and imposed heavy penalties on different shops for selling uncovered, substandard products and unhygienic conditions.
Those who penalised were included Sherin Mahal Sweets, Sheesh Mahal Sweets & Bakers, Islamia Restaurant, Zam Zam Qasab, Board Bazaar, Abbas Qasab, Insaf Store, vendours, Afghan Sadaqat Juice & Cold Drink shops.
The provincial minister said that besides actively carrying the checking of bazaars, the department is procuring wheat. The activity, he said though remain continue throughout the year. However, during the month of Ramazan, these committees, he said conduct joint raids with administration.
He said that the officials of the department also visit fruit and vegetable markets to monitor bidding process to ensure the provision of essentials to consumers are minimum rates. However, he also requested the trading community to avoid artificial price hike in the respect of the holy month.
The provincial minister said that the department had issued new price lists on May 30, 2016 and said that their display on each shop is a must. He said that the campaign of raids in bazaars will be extended to other districts also.