Price control failure draws crackdown in Punjab

The administration of Lahore has removed 12 price control magistrates from their positions over poor performance, as public frustration mounts over profiteering and soaring prices of essential goods across the city. The action was taken by the deputy commissioner of Lahore, who also ordered the deactivation of the login credentials of the removed magistrates, effectively stripping them of enforcement authority. Officials said the move followed directives from the Chief Minister's Office to treat price control as a top priority amid growing complaints from consumers. According to the administration, magistrates posted in several key areas — including Saddar, Model Town, Cantonment and Wagah — were found negligent and lacking seriousness in monitoring prices and enforcing government-notified rates. Authorities said repeated warnings had failed to produce results, prompting disciplinary action. Despite official price lists, residents across Lahore continued to report inflated rates for vegetables, fruits, poultry and basic grocery items. Many consumers say profiteering has become routine, particularly in neighbourhood markets where enforcement is perceived to be weak. "Every day the prices change, but only upwards," said Muhammad Irfan, a private employee shopping at a market in Model Town. "The government announces rates, but shopkeepers openly ignore them. There is no one to check them, and we are forced to pay whatever they demand." In inner-city areas, the situation appears no different. Shazia Bibi, a homemaker from the Saddar area, said household budgets have become increasingly difficult to manage. "Vegetables that were affordable just weeks ago are now out of reach," she said. "If the magistrates were doing their job, shopkeepers would not dare to overcharge like this." The administration maintains that the latest action signals a renewed push to restore discipline in the markets. Officials said price control operations would be restructured and monitored more closely, with strict accountability of officers assigned to the task. However, consumers remained skeptical, citing past crackdowns that delivered little long-term relief. "We see raids for a few days, fines are imposed, and then everything goes back to normal," said Ali Raza, a daily wage worker. "The poor suffer the most because our income does not increase with prices." Traders, on the other hand, often argue that rising wholesale costs and transport expenses leave them little choice but to increase prices. Yet consumer groups counter that the lack of consistent oversight allows opportunistic profiteering to flourish under the guise of inflation. Officials insist that the removal of the magistrates is only the first step. New appointments are expected, along with tighter supervision of field operations. The DC's office said price control teams would be evaluated on measurable performance, including regular inspections and documented enforcement actions. "This is not about luxury items," said retired government employee Abdul Karim. "It is about food on the table. When prices are unchecked, it becomes a daily struggle for ordinary families."

from Punjab News Updates and Insights - The Express Tribune https://ift.tt/v93UpmV