KEL NEELUM (Kashmir English): On the first day of Ramadan, Neelum authorities, led by Naib Tehsildar Khawaja Farooq, inspected Kel Bazaar to enforce government-fixed prices for essential food items, warning shopkeepers against overcharging and urging citizens to report violations.
Today, in another instance, in a strict crackdown on price gouging, Assistant Commissioner Raja Zahid Hussain Khan and Tehsildar Imran Yousaf arrested 21 shopkeepers in Mirpur, on the first day of Ramadan, for overcharging customers. Several others were fined and warned for failing to comply with official price regulations.
On the instructions of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Neelum, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) the local administration in Kel has intensified efforts to ensure the availability of affordable and high-quality essential goods for fasting individuals during Ramadan.
Kel Bazaar received an official inspection by Naib Tehsildar Khawaja Farooq and his police team to check prices of standard iftar food items and essential food products, especially vegetables and fruits. The objective of this examination was to check if all merchandise was sold at rates designated by the government.
Chaudhry Khan Wali as President of Kel Traders Association instructed shopkeepers to uphold both product quality standards and the pre-established sales prices. Any attempt to violate the official price lists would lead to legal consequences according to the authorities. All businesses received orders to mount official price lists provided by the government at prominent shop locations.
DC Neelum issued orders to Nadeem Janjua for inspections conducted at the beginning of Ramadan. Market officials checked the prices of essential items after visiting the marketplace to verify standard government-approved pricing. Naib Tehsildar Khawaja Farooq asked people in the area to request invoices during their purchases since this action would stop merchants from increasing prices.
Consumers need to inform authorities about any retailer that raised prices higher than the established limits because administrators would punish such offenders. The local community showed their thanks to the administration because of its forward-thinking steps.
The people of Kel recognized the Traders Association and government authorities as they collaborated to control prices and stop all forms of unscrupulous price increases during Ramadan. The officials maintained their dedication to continuous inspection efforts throughout Ramadan for price control and accessible quality food items for everyone. The public received instructions to monitor the market and report price violations to maintain fair market conditions.
