Seven shopkeepers were sent to jail and another was fined during a crackdown on profiteering and food safety violations launched by the district administration in various markets of Dera Ismail Khan. Following the directives of Deputy Commissioner Hikmatullah Khan, Assistant Commissioner Hamid Siddiq paid a surprise visit to Bannu Adda, Imamia Gate and adjoining bazaars, where he inspected grocery stores, fruit and vegetable shops and other outlets selling essential commodities.

He reviewed official price lists, the quality of food items and sanitation standards. During the inspection, shopkeepers were directed to prominently display official price lists and ensure the sale of essential commodities at government-prescribed rates. The assistant commissioner also inspected several renowned Sohan-Halwa shops in the city. During the inspection, one outlet was sealed after allegedly being found using chemically adulterated milk, while its owner was arrested and sent to jail.

Acting in his capacity as Special Judicial Magistrate First Class, Dr Siddiq imposed a fine of Rs10,000 on one shopkeeper for violating the official price list and ordered seven others to be sent to jail for 15 days over profiteering and related violations. He warned that profiteering, hoarding and the sale of substandard or adulterated food items would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He also directed the relevant staff to continue regular market inspections to ensure the availability of quality essential commodities at official prices and to take indiscriminate legal action against violators.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)