Crackdown against profiteers, hoarders to continue: commissioner

Karachi Commissioner Shoaib Siddiqui on Monday said the crackdown against profiteers, black-marketers, hoarders and those involved in adulteration of food items will continue in the metropolis till the menace is eliminated for good.
Chairing a meeting here on Monday, also attended by deputy commissioners (DCs) from all five districts of the city, he said stern action should also be taken against elements engaged in producing and selling spurious products in the city.
The commissioner appreciated efforts put in by DCs, assistant commissioners and mukhtiarkars from 28 divisions in the city for their commitment to the cause.
He, however, warned that complaints made by certain SDMs for allegedly turning a blind eye towards those manipulating the public need would not be ignored and stern action and consequent investigation would be initiated against the culprits.
The meeting was informed that during the past four months (April to
July) 10,194 profiteers and sellers of low quality products were challaned and were also fined of Rs 1,33,40,600.
As many as 23 chronic violators of official price list, during these four months, were also arrested and jailed for defying the rules and regulations at the cost of public interest.
In the month of April, 60 shopkeepers were challaned and were fined of Rs 126,000. In May, 795 were challaned and Rs 9, 39,250 were fined, while 28 were jailed for repeated violation of the official price list.
Meanwhile, during June this year, 2, 510 profiteers were challaned and
Rs 3,580,700 were imposed on them as fine money with 58 jailed for being found to be chronic violators of law.
Moreover, in July, 6, 463 were challaned and were made to pay fine money amounting to Rs 81, 68, 55, while another 109 shopkeepers and retailers were jailed for being found chronic violators of the officially approved price list.