Price control mechanism reviewed in high-level meeting; Daily monitoring and market inspections to be intensified
Muzaffarabad: Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Chaudhry Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to review arrangements for controlling prices of essential commodities and taking strict action against profiteering and hoarding during the holy month of Ramadan.
The meeting conducted a comprehensive review of the prices of essential items and the overall price control mechanism to ensure maximum relief for the public during the month of fasting. Senior Member Board of Revenue Muhammad Zafar Khan, Principal Secretary Zafar Mahmood Khan, Commissioners of all three divisions, and Deputy Commissioners of all districts participated in the meeting through video link.
During the briefing, the Prime Minister was informed that special monitoring mechanisms have been activated to keep a close watch on the prices of food items, fruits, vegetables, and other daily-use commodities throughout Ramadan. The Commissioners apprised him of the prevailing inflationary trends and the administrative measures being implemented to curb price hikes.
Officials briefed the meeting on ongoing field inspections, enforcement of officially notified price lists, and actions taken by price control magistrates against violators. Measures to prevent hoarding and artificial shortages were also discussed in detail. The Prime Minister was told that district administrations are actively conducting market visits to ensure compliance with government rates.
Addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister stressed that the government expects practical results rather than mere paperwork or routine instructions. He directed the administration to ensure strict implementation of official price lists and to adopt concrete measures that provide tangible relief to the people.
He made it clear that taking indiscriminate and firm action against profiteers and hoarders is the government’s responsibility and will not be compromised. He instructed all Deputy Commissioners and field officers to ensure regular monitoring of markets and to initiate strict legal action against those found involved in overcharging or stockpiling essential goods.
The Prime Minister further directed that all available administrative resources be utilized to facilitate citizens during Ramadan and that no negligence in enforcement would be tolerated. He emphasized that district administrations must remain fully vigilant and responsive to public complaints.
The meeting decided that the price control system would be further strengthened during Ramadan, with daily performance reports to be submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office. This step, it was noted, would ensure continuous oversight and enable timely interventions to safeguard public interest and provide immediate relief to consumers across Azad Jammu and Kashmir.