Commissioner orders action against artificial hike in edible items prices

Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi convened a meeting on Monday to address the rising prices of edible commodities in the city, which have been artificially inflated.

The meeting was attended by the deputy commissioners of all districts, the additional director of the supply bureau, and other relevant officials. During the meeting, Naqvi instructed the additional director of the supply bureau to take immediate action to control wholesale market prices.

He also ordered an inquiry into the causes of the price hikes and demanded strict measures against those responsible for manipulating prices. Naqvi stressed that prices in both wholesale markets and retail shops across the city must be monitored and controlled. He warned that any individual or business found charging more than the government-mandated prices would be arrested on the spot.

Commissioner Naqvi further emphasised that if deputy commissioners or the additional director of the supply bureau failed to ensure price controls, they too would face punitive action. "Anyone who creates difficulties for the public will face imprisonment," he stated firmly.

The commissioner also called on the public to report any instances of price manipulation, reiterating that there would be no leniency for those behind the artificial price increases. He assured that any wholesalers or retailers failing to comply with the government-issued price list would face severe consequences.