A few profiteers cannot be allowed to exploit 100 million people of the province, said Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif while presiding over a meeting of Price Control Committee via video-link at the Civil Secretariat on Thursday in order to review the implementation of the new prices of vegetable oil and ghee and the measures taken in this regard.
Speaking on the occasion, Shahbaz directed that indiscriminate action be taken against hoarders and profiteers. He warned that the elements exploiting the citizens in the form of profiteering be put behind the bars.
The chief minister directed to ensure sale of vegetable oil and ghee at the new prices and said that immediate implementation of the newly fixed rates be ensured in the whole province.
He said that strict action as per law be taken against those creating artificial shortage of products and no leniency be shown to the violators.
He also constituted a committee at provincial level for the implementation of new rates of vegetable oil and ghee. He said that implementation of the comprehensive mechanism for keeping essential items within the reach of the common man will be continued in future as well and availability of quality essential commodities to the masses at affordable rates will be ensured. He said that the masses cannot be left at the mercy of profiteers.
He appreciated the performance of Lahore Division commissioner and district coordination officer with regard to adopting effective measures in the division.
The secretary industries gave a detailed briefing to the meeting about the steps taken for the sale of vegetable oil and ghee at the new prices. Provincial ministers Bilal Yasin, Farrukh Javed, provincial assembly member Dr Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, chief secretary, secretaries concerned and authorities concerned participated in the meeting through video-link.
TERRORISM A HURDLE IN DEVELOPMENT:
Meanwhile talking to assembly members of various districts, Shahbaz said that terrorism, extremism and sectarianism are a big hurdle in the development of the country.
However, he said, the menace of terrorism and sectarianism will be rooted out with the support of the nation and Pakistan will be made a haven of peace.
He said that implementation of the National Action Plan (NAP) evolved with the consensus of the national leadership is yielding positive results and effective measures are being taken against terrorism and sectarianism. He said that comprehensive steps have been taken speedily in the province under NAP and sentences have been made more stringent through legislation.
He said that the nation has decided to defeat terrorists and a vigorous action is being taken against terrorists and their facilitators. He said that war against terrorism will have to be won at any cost.