LAHORE: The Punjab Cabinet has approved the ‘Consumer Protection Act 2025’ for immediate implementation across all 34 districts of the province, while the Department of Price Control and Commodities Management has intensified its crackdown on the illegal smuggling of wheat and wheat-based products.
According to a spokesperson for the Punjab Department of Price Control and Management, the newly approved Consumer Protection Act 2025 replaces and strengthens the previous Consumer Act 2005, introducing stricter penalties and enhanced enforcement mechanisms to safeguard consumer rights. The law aims to curb unfair trade practices and ensure that consumers receive quality goods and services at fair prices.
Under the new act, violations will result in fines ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 100,000, in addition to immediate legal action. Consumers may lodge complaints or applications regarding violations with the respective district’s Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Assistant Director (Legal), or the District Consumer Protection Council, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner.
The spokesperson stated that the enforcement of this law will serve as a major step toward protecting consumer interests and maintaining market discipline across Punjab.
Meanwhile, the Punjab Department of Price Control and Commodities Management reported that 19 suspects have been arrested and 13 cases registered in connection with the illegal smuggling of wheat and wheat-based products from the province.
Action has been taken against 68 individuals accused of misusing the Food Logistics Management Information System (FLMIS) software to create fake documents and forged e-permits for wheat transportation. Of these, 19 suspects have been apprehended, and 24 non-bailable arrest warrants have been issued, while 25 have obtained interim bail from the courts.
During interrogation, the arrested suspects disclosed that Waqar, son of Nisar, a resident of Darya Khan, and a computer expert, was the mastermind behind the fake e-permit operation. Accused Zahid and Ijaz were also found involved in preparing forged documents and fake challans used to smuggle wheat and related products from Punjab to North Waziristan. The suspects reportedly belong to Darya Khan, Layyah, and Waziristan. Legal proceedings against them are currently underway.
The spokesperson further said that special police teams have been constituted under the District Police Officer (DPO) Mianwali to arrest the remaining suspects, with raids being conducted at multiple locations. To prevent further misuse of the FLMIS software, the department has introduced stricter technical controls and monitoring mechanisms.
Additionally, all district administrations have been directed to tighten surveillance of wheat transportation and enhance checking systems at provincial check posts to curb smuggling activities.
The spokesperson emphasised that the dual focus on enforcing the Consumer Protection Act 2025 and cracking down on wheat smuggling reflects the Punjab government’s resolve to ensure market transparency, consumer protection, and food security across the province.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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