LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar Sunday directed the price control committees to effectively monitor the prices of essential commodities in open markets.

There should be regular monitoring of prices not only in Ramazan bazaars but also in open markets, he said and added that availability of essential commodities at notified rates should be ensured.

The chief minister ordered for putting in place effective measurements to bring sustainability in the rates and said that officers of departments concerned should focus on field visits for its implementation.

He also ordered for taking strict legal action against hoarders and price-hikers and said that those involved in profiteering should be dealt with iron hands.

Usman Buzdar said that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government was utilising all resources to provide relief to masses, adding that effective measurements should be taken under price control mechanism.