BHIMBER (Kashmir English): Bhimber authorities fined shopkeepers during the Bhimber market inspections today, for price gouging and selling unsafe food on the orders of the Deputy Commissioner.
Acting on the directives of Deputy Commissioner Mirza Arshad Mahmood Jarral, the Secretary of the Price Control Committee and Tehsildar Headquarters, Qaiser Mehmood Shams, led a market inspection in Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Accompanied by a police contingent, the inspection team checked various markets to ensure compliance with official price lists and quality standards for essential food items.
During the inspection, several shopkeepers were found selling goods at inflated prices, violating the officially issued price lists. Additionally, some traders were found stocking and selling substandard, expired, and potentially hazardous food items, including milk, yoghurt, vegetables, fruits, meat, and bakery products. As a result, fines were imposed on the violators on the spot.
The Secretary of the Price Control Committee sternly warned shopkeepers to adhere to the government-issued price list, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, to relieve the public. He emphasised that strict legal action would be taken against those who continue to overcharge or sell low-quality and expired food products.
The administration’s action comes in response to growing public concerns over price gouging and the availability of unsafe food items in the markets. With Ramadan being a month of high food consumption, authorities are keen to ensure that essential commodities remain affordable and safe for consumers.
The inspection team underlined with vendors that their purpose extends beyond profit making since ethical conduct becomes essential during this religious and social significant period. Officials have declared that Ramadan inspections will keep running through the month and merchants who avoid following rules will encounter additional legal penalties.
The administration demonstrates its dedication to defend consumer rights through this operation for ensuring fair market conduct. Citizens can report price manipulation cases and sale of substandard food items to the authorities who will immediately take appropriate action.
