LAHORE: The Lahore district administration has arrested 19 individuals, sealed 11 shops, and imposed fines totalling Rs 95,000 during a crackdown on profiteering.
According to the administration on Saturday, following the direction of Deputy Commissioner Lahore Captain Muhammad Ali Ijaz (retd), they intensified the price control campaign across the city. During this campaign, teams of price-control magistrates led by Assistant Commissioners monitored prices at 5,543 markets, shops, and retail outlets, resulting in 66 reported violations.
This vigorous action and consistent field presence by the district administration have led to a significant reduction in vegetable prices over the last 10 days, including a decrease of Rs 60 for okra (bhindi), Rs 50 for bitter gourd (karela), and up to Rs 35 for tomatoes.
The Deputy Commissioner issued clear instructions to all relevant officers to strictly enforce a zero-tolerance policy against overcharging. He emphasised that magistrates must maintain their field presence to eliminate artificial inflation. The district administration is fully mobilised against over-chargers, utilising all available resources to provide relief to the public, ensuring that the common man can access quality food items at government-approved rates.
In addition, the administration has launched a large-scale crackdown on illegal constructions and violations of building codes in various parts of the city to ensure organised urban development and uphold the state’s authority.
Teams conducted vigorous operations in Begum Kot and Kala Khatai Road in the Ravi Zone, as well as in Mouza Jaman in the Nishtar Zone, demolishing illegally constructed structures. A total of seven illegal buildings were completely demolished, and two additional buildings were sealed due to non-compliance with approved maps and other violations. The Deputy Commissioner clarified that a zero-tolerance policy has been adopted towards those constructing without approved maps, and no external pressure will be tolerated.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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