LAHORE: Provincial Industries Minister Mian Aslam Iqbal presided over the maiden meeting of the task force for price control at Civil Secretariat on Wednesday.
The meeting reviewed the prices of 18 essential items and took important decisions to stabilize their prices in the markets.
The meeting also decided to provide training to price control magistrate as well as to expedite crackdown against hoarders and illegal profiteers.
It was decided to ensure strict monitoring after fixing prices of essential items in Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan, Faisalabad and Rawalpindi initially and later on, this price control mechanism will be implemented across the province.
A 20kg flour bag will be sold at Rs808, sugar at Rs72 per kg, red chilli at Rs325 and the rate of milk will be Rs80 per litter in these cities. The prices of vegetables, fruits and other kitchen-items fixed by the market committees will also be ensured in open markets on a daily basis.
The meeting decided that the price of 100 gram Roti will remain fixed at Rs6 and revision in Roti prices will be made after the survey and report from special branch.
Addressing the meeting, the minister said that the sale of essential items at the exorbitant rate is cruelty with the people as well as the failure of the concerned institutions.
He said that line departments should realize about their responsibilities so as to provide relief to the common man. He said that an increase in prices by the district administration without taking the line departments into confidence is deplorable and made it clear that if anybody does so in future, he would be personally responsible for it.
The tradition of revising prices of essential items while sitting in the offices will have to be done away with, he added. He said that price control magistrates should personally visit markets to check the prices and they should refrain from sending officials to the markets for the same.
The minister announced that he will conduct surprise visits to check the prices in the markets. He said that stakeholders will be conducted for fixing the prices of Ghee, Rice, Mutton, Beef and Chicken. He said that the practice of less weight and measures will not be tolerated and the DG Industries should fulfil his responsibilities in this regard.
He reiterated that people will not be left at the mercy of hoarders, illegal profiteers and exploiting mafias will be dealt with an iron hand.
