71 Ramazan Counters Set Up at Superstores

KARACHI: On the directives of Syed Hassan Naqvi, Commissioner Karachi, as many as 71 superstores across the city have established special Ramazan counters to provide essential commodities at official prices.

The commissioner instructed all deputy commissioners to ensure that quality items are made available to citizens at government-notified rates at these designated counters. He reiterated that the campaign against profiteers would continue without interruption throughout the holy month.

According to a report issued by the Commissioner’s Office on the fifth day of the crackdown, action was taken against 240 profiteers and fines amounting to Rs2.174 million were imposed. During the same day, goods were auctioned at official prices at 126 locations.

In total, 2,748 kilograms of essential commodities worth over Rs1.146 million were auctioned on the fifth day. These included 1,411 kilograms of fruits valued at Rs362,780; 453 kilograms of vegetables worth over Rs13,000; 608 kilograms of meat and poultry valued at Rs727,000; and 276 kilograms of grocery items worth Rs39,708. The auction operations were supervised by assistant commissioners.

The report further stated that prices were inspected at 1,116 locations on the fifth day alone. Over the past five days, action has been taken against a total of 1,180 profiteers, with cumulative fines exceeding Rs10.6 million.

During the five-day campaign, assistant commissioners and mukhtiarkars checked prices at 4,221 locations, while at 533 places, essential items were sold at official rates through auction to ensure relief for consumers.

Officials said the ongoing enforcement drive aims to protect citizens from overcharging and ensure strict compliance with government-fixed prices during Ramazan.