Dera Ismail Khan Administration Ramps Up Ramazan Price Control, Cracks Down on Hoarders and Profiteers

Dera Ismail Khan: In a bid to ensure public relief, price stability, and the availability of quality food items during the holy month of Ramazan, the district administration of Dera Ismail Khan launched coordinated inspections, strengthened market supervision, and implemented welfare initiatives across the district. Authorities took strict action against profiteers and illegal operators while introducing measures to facilitate fasting citizens and ensure smooth market operations.

Acting on the directives of the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Assistant Commissioner Paroa sealed an illegally established petrol agency in Paroa Bazaar, while inspections of general stores, bakeries, vegetable and fruit shops and butcher outlets led to fines amounting to Rs25,000 over profiteering and violations of the official price list, with strict warnings issued to ensure compliance.

In a parallel move, Additional Assistant Commissioner Sajid Ali Khan supervised the transparent auction of vegetables and fruits at Ratta Kulachi Sabzi Mandi, reviewed on-the-spot price fixation and issued official rate lists to ensure essential commodities were sold at government-notified prices, while also improving cleanliness and traffic management in the market.

On a citizen’s complaint, a special team led by Assistant Commissioner (Revenue) inspected alleged milk adulteration through digital and chemical testing; however, the milk and related products were found fit for consumption with no adulteration detected. Meanwhile, in Old Sabzi Mandi and Jogian Wala Bazaar, fines amounting to Rs53,000 were imposed for faulty weights, non-display of rate lists and overcharging; five naan shops were sealed and five vendors were arrested for further legal action.

In addition to enforcement measures, the district administration arranged Iftar and Sehri dastarkhwans at hospitals, shelter homes, inter-provincial routes and key tehsil points to facilitate travelers, deserving individuals and other fasting citizens.

Officials said that special Ramazan monitoring teams would remain active in markets and bazaars throughout the holy month to ensure strict compliance with price control regulations and quality standards.

They reiterated that profiteering, hoarding and adulteration would not be tolerated under any circumstances, adding that the administration was fully committed to protecting consumers’ rights, ensuring the availability of essential commodities at notified rates and providing maximum relief to citizens during Ramazan.