LAHORE: The Punjab government has intensified its efforts to provide public relief and curb overpricing across the province, following special instructions from the Chief Minister. This development emerged from a meeting led by Dr. Kiran Khurshid, the Punjab Secretary for Food Safety and Consumer Protection, to evaluate the monthly performance of Price Control Magistrates.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the meeting saw participation from deputy commissioners across all districts via video link. The performance of Price Control Magistrates in Rawalpindi, Okara, Bahawalpur, Sheikhupura, and Multan was commended, while those in Attock, Murree, Toba Tek Singh, and Dera Ghazi Khan were urged to improve their efforts promptly.

Dr. Kiran Khurshid emphasized that there would be no compromise on the officially notified prices of essential commodities, following the vision of the Punjab Chief Minister. Deputy commissioners received instructions to enhance the Consumer Protection Councils’ performance in their districts.

The meeting also developed a comprehensive strategy to prevent fake challans and inspections using mobile IDs to improve transparency in the monitoring system. Additionally, recommendations were reviewed to further advance the performance of the Qeemat App to ensure public relief.

Dr. Khurshid reiterated that providing affordable and quality essential goods is the government’s top priority. She instructed field officers to visit markets personally and take decisive action against overpricing and hoarding.