PM AJK orders crackdown on price hike and hoarding during Ramadan in Muzaffarabad

Muzaffarabad: In a decisive move to safeguard public interests during the holy month of Ramadan, Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Faisal Mumtaz Rathore, chaired an extraordinary high-level meeting and directed authorities to launch an immediate crackdown against hoarders and profiteers involved in artificial price hikes of essential commodities.
Addressing the meeting, the Prime Minister emphasized the need for strict enforcement of officially notified government rates to ensure maximum relief for the common citizen. He instructed all concerned departments to implement government directives in letter and spirit, warning that no leniency would be shown towards elements exploiting the public during the sacred month.
The Prime Minister directed district administrations across the state to intensify market inspections, conduct regular monitoring, and initiate stern legal action against those found guilty of overcharging and hoarding essential food items. He underscored that protecting consumers from unjust price escalation is a top priority of the government. The meeting resolved to further strengthen the existing price control mechanism throughout Ramadan. It was decided that daily performance reports would be submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office to ensure swift action and timely relief for citizens.
Earlier, a comprehensive review of the prices of essential commodities and the overall price control system was undertaken. Commissioners briefed the Prime Minister in detail regarding inflationary trends and the administrative measures being implemented to stabilize markets. The Prime Minister was informed that daily monitoring of prices of food items, fruits, vegetables, and other essential goods was being carried out across all districts to prevent exploitation and maintain
stability in the markets.
The meeting was attended by Senior Member Board of Revenue Muhammad Zafar Khan, Principal Secretary Zafar Mahmood Khan, as well as all Commissioners and Deputy Commissioners, who participated via video conferencing. The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring affordability and protecting citizens from undue financial burden during Ramadan, stating that strict accountability and vigilant monitoring would continue throughout the month