Rs2,949,520 fines imposed: Crackdown continues against profiteers

KARACHI: The Commissioner Karachi Office has issued a report on the fourth day of the holy month of Ramazan, stating that 391 shopkeepers were penalised, with fines exceeding Rs 2,949,520 imposed. Their stock was auctioned at official rates, by the Assistant Commissioners in their presence at 179 locations.

Magistrates visited to check the prices at 1,243 places. During checking 238 shopkeepers were warned by them.

Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi advised citizens to report overpricing to the Commissioner’s Help Line 1299. The commissioner directed Deputy Commissioners and assistant commissioners to strictly control prices and provide relief to the citizens..

He asked officials to take strict action against violators, imposing fines or auctioning food at official prices in their supervision, and arrest repeatedly found violating official prices.

The commissioner encouraged citizens to make complaints, saying it would help identify overpricing. Complaint centers have been set up in markets and bazaars.

He said Commissioner Karachi Office has also set up a complaint cell and citizens can call 1299 for assistance.

In the last 24 hours, 1231 kg of fruits worth Rs 326,011 were sold on notified prices. 82 kg of meat worth Rs 66,310, 164 kg of vegetables worth Rs 7781, and 513 kg of groceries worth Rs 22914 rupees were sold by the Price Magistrates on 179 occasions in various markets of Karachi Division to facilitate the general public.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026