LAHORE: The Enforcement Directorate of the Price Control Department Punjab launched an extensive province-wide crackdown against overcharging and profiteering on the first day of Ramazan, conducting raids at more than 63,000 locations, Director General Enforcement Punjab, Imran Qureshi, said on Friday.
He disclosed that authorities took immediate action on 4,277 complaints of overpricing received from consumers across the province. In cases of profiteering, 48 FIRs were registered, 410 individuals were arrested, and fines exceeding Rs 57.08 million were imposed.
The DG Enforcement stated that to ensure uninterrupted availability and regulated pricing of flour during the holy month, price control magistrates conducted inspections at 300,165 points.
Action was initiated against 199 flour profiteers, leading to registration of four FIRs, arrest of 32 individuals, and imposition of fines amounting to over Rs 538,000.
The campaign was further intensified against butchers selling chicken meat at inflated rates. Raids were carried out at more than 3,500 locations. Overcharging led to action against 346 butchers, with three cases registered, 33 arrests made, and fines exceeding Rs 500,000 imposed.
Meanwhile, inspection of tandoors and hotels was also ramped up, with over 11,000 checks conducted in a single day. Authorities proceeded against 876 naanbais involved in overcharging for roti, registering four FIRs, arresting 43 individuals, and imposing fines of more than Rs 450,000.
The Directorate also stepped up action against sugar hoarders and profiteers, conducting raids at 2,800 locations. Enforcement teams proceeded against 201 individuals involved in sugar overpricing and hoarding, registered two FIRs, and arrested 24 persons.
Imran Qureshi reiterated that the Punjab government is pursuing a zero-tolerance policy against profiteering and hoarding during Ramazan, adding that enforcement operations will continue throughout the month to protect consumers from artificial price hikes.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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