LAHORE: The Punjab government has decided to carry out physical verification of stocks in flour and sugar mills and to take stern action in case of non-cooperation by the millers.

The decision was taken in a meeting jointly chaired by Provincial Minister for Industries Mian Aslam Iqbal and Chief Secretary Punjab Jawwad Rafique Malik at the Camp Office to review the action against hoarders of flour and sugar.

The Chief Secretary asked the administrative officers to send verified reports on stocks as soon as possible. He directed that under the anti-hoarding law action will be taken against the mills that are not giving supply in the market in accordance with their stocks. These mills' stocks must be confiscated and sold in the market at government rates within the 24 hours, he added.

The Chief Secretary said it was the responsibility of the district administration to ensure the sale of flour and sugar at the official rates and the administrative officer who is not providing relief to the people would be removed from his post. The meeting also decided to shift cattle markets out of the cities in connection with Eid-ul-Azha.

Deputy Commissioner Lahore Division Danish Afzal, CCPO Lahore Zulfiqar Hameed and officers attended the meeting while divisional commissioners, RPOs, deputy commissioners, and DPOs participated through video link.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2020