72 shopkeepers arrested for profiteering in December: DC.

TAXILA -- During a crackdown launched against profiteers in various parts of Attock in December, as many as 72 shopkeepers were arrested and fines amounting to over Rs1.90 million were imposed on violators of the official price lists.

Deputy Commissioner Dr Hassan Waqar Cheema told journalists at his office on Monday that a team from the Punjab Industries, Prices, Weights and Measures (IPWM) department carried out 17,287 inspections in the different tehsils including rural and urban areas of the district in December. During the crackdown fines amounting to Rs1,970,501 were imposed on shopkeepers fleecing consumers with exorbitant rates.

Responding to a question, he said the operation against profiteers will continue till the sale of essential items according to the officially approved price list was ensured.

'Sale of sugar, flour and other commodities at exorbitant prices will not be tolerated and action will be taken against those responsible for negligence and carelessness,' Mr Cheema said, adding the district administration was taking action to keep prices of commodities under control.

He asked the citizens to pay prices of daily-usage items according to the official price list set by the local administration. He said all assistant commissioners had been directed to ensure availability of ample quantities of flour in the...