18 arrested, Rs 151,000 fine imposed during price control crackdown

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Apr, 2026) The district administration of Lahore has arrested 18 individuals and imposed over Rs 151,000 in fines during a sweeping price control campaign across the provincial capital, following 4,859 inspections that identified 92 violations and led to the sealing of 17 shops for non-compliance.

Deputy Commissioner Ali Ijaz said on Saturday that during the crackdown, price control magistrates under assistant commissioners carried out extensive field operations, taking multiple offenders into custody for overpricing and hoarding while levying spot fines against violators.

A 10-day comparative review showed significant price drops. Onions fell by Rs 13 to Rs 55 per kilogram, ladyfinger decreased by Rs 60 to Rs 140 per kilogram, bitter gourd dropped by Rs 35 to Rs 125 per kilogram, desi garlic declined by Rs 10 to Rs 135 per kilogram, and bananas became cheaper by Rs 15 at Rs 215 per dozen.

To maintain supply-demand balance, authorities ensured the arrival of 142 trucks carrying potatoes, onions and tomatoes, the deputy commissioner said, adding that supply lines remain stable. Traders have been directed to prominently display price lists at all shops.

The deputy commissioner said continuous inspections have significantly improved market discipline, and the price control campaign is being made even more effective in the coming days. Authorities have ordered daily inspections across all markets and vowed indiscriminate action against any violations.