Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday directed the Islamabad administration to ensure zero tolerance against profiteers as the federal government was committed to maximum relief to the people during holy Ramazan.
The prime minister, chairing a meeting to review the performance of the committee formed to ensure sale of food items at affordable prices during Ramazan, instructed that no profiteer should escape punishment, according to a PM Office press release.
He praised the performance of the committee and Islamabad administration for controlling food prices during Ramazan and ensuring the availability of essential commodities at lower rates.
The prime minister instructed the elected representatives and federal ministers to visit Ramazan bazaars, Sahulat stalls, and other designated locations during the holy month.
He also directed for constant monitoring of the price control system to prevent any lapse.
During the briefing, Prime Minister Shehbaz was told that in Islamabad, 16 Sahulat stalls, five Ramazan bazaars, 18 fair price shops, and several other facilities had been set up during Ramazan. The food items like ghee, eggs, pulses, sugar, chicken, and others are being sold at prices lower than market rates.
Besides, DC counters have also been set up at departmental stores to ensure availability of 12 essential items.
The meeting was told that during Ramazan, the administration had so far carried out 4,915 inspections, arrested 785 people, and imposed fines amounting to Rs728,000 against profiteers.
Moreover, an online application is being used to monitor the performance of price magistrates. Iftar dinners have also been arranged for deserving people through the Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal at eight locations.
Federal ministers Dr. Ahsan Iqbal, Ahad Khan Cheema, Attaullah Tarar, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Hanif Abbasi, Minister of State Talal Chaudhry, and senior government officials attended the meeting.
The Islamabad district administration escalated its crackdown on overpricing during Ramazan, conducting 535 inspections and arrested 100 shopkeepers, imposed fines exceeding Rs157,000, and sealed one store for violating government-mandated prices.
Meanwhile, 20 subsidized fair-price shops and six Ramazan bazaars reported record sales in the first nine days of the holy month, with citizens praising the measures.
According to the spokesman of ICT administration here, eight Assistant Commissioners (ACs) and 30 Magistrates accompanied by district administration teams present in markets for price checks.
On Tuesday, district teams launched targeted raids across markets to curb overpricing. Authorities sealed a shop in a prominent commercial area for selling essentials above official rates, marking the strictest action this Ramazan. Price Control Magistrates issued fines totaling Rs 157,000 to violators, while 100 retailers faced arrests for repeated breaches.
On the occasion, residents expressed relief as subsidized stalls and Ramazan bazaars maintained stable prices. Over 20 government-run fair-price shops and six seasonal markets witnessed unprecedented footfall, with officials attributing the surge to strict price monitoring. “The administration’s visibility has deterred overcharging,” said a customer at a Ramazan bazaar.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Islamabad, Irfan Memon, led daily inspections of markets, directing staff to resolve complaints immediately. “No grievance will be deferred to tomorrow. Action must be instant,” he stated. All Assistant Commissioners and Price Control Magistrates remained on-site across zones to enforce compliance.
The DC warned that no exceptions would be made for overpricing. “Legal action will continue indiscriminately,” he emphasized. Teams were instructed to prioritize public complaints, with a dedicated helpline operational 24/7.
The administration highlighted its commitment to providing affordable essentials during Ramazan. Over 6,000 price checks have been conducted since the month began, with fines totaling over Rs 1.2 million. Officials confirmed that subsidized flour, sugar, and cooking oil remained available at fixed rates in designated outlets.
Residents were encouraged to contact the district helpline or use a mobile app to report overpricing. The DC assured that all claims would be addressed within hours, with follow-up inspections to ensure compliance.