LAHORE (Asif Iqbal) Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to review the surge in tomato and other vegetable prices, expressing deep concern over the rising trend and directing immediate measures to ensure price stability and availability across the province.
The Chief Minister ordered that price lists be prominently displayed at every shop and at the entry points of all markets, emphasizing the need for strict enforcement of the Price Control and Consumer Protection laws.
During the meeting, a detailed briefing was given on the restructuring of the Price Control and Commodity Management Department, which presented a strategic plan to the Chief Minister. Under the new plan, an integrated mobile app and central dashboard will provide real-time data on vegetable supply, stocks, prices, and related indicators across Punjab.
The meeting was informed that flour milling and wheat availability will also be monitored through the Price Monitoring and Control Center, while the movement of vegetable trucks will be tracked digitally to prevent hoarding and supply disruptions.
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In a major reform step, the Punjab government decided to introduce standardized carts and stalls for vegetable vendors across the province, ensuring uniform branding, shop designs, staff uniforms, and market sheds in all 239 “Maryam Nawaz Farmers’ Markets” and vegetable mandis.
The Chief Minister also approved the use of mechanical sweepers for market cleanliness and reviewed proposals for establishing low-cost Ramadan stalls in every neighborhood under the Nigehbaan Ramadan Package.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that all government efforts to reduce prices must have visible impact at the public level, directing departments to plan in advance according to projected demand for vegetables.
According to the briefing, price control inspections across Punjab resulted in 5.48 million rupees in fines, 321 FIRs registered, and 4,607 individuals arrested for violations of the Price Control Act at over 368,000 shops.
The Chief Minister reiterated her commitment to ensuring fair prices and consumer protection, saying that “effective governance must be reflected in the relief provided to the people.
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