'Prices, quality of food items to be ensured during Ramadan'

Food Safety and Consumer Protection Secretary Dr Kiran Khurshid has stated that a large-scale crackdown against profiteers and hoarders is underway ahead of Ramadan

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Feb, 2026) Food Safety and Consumer Protection Secretary Dr Kiran Khurshid has stated that a large-scale crackdown against profiteers and hoarders is underway ahead of Ramadan.

Over the past four days, Price Control Magistrates conducted raids at more than 391,000 locations across various districts of the province. As a result, strict action was taken against approximately 21,800 profiteers involved in overcharging for essential commodities, she added.

She stated that a total of 55 cases were registered for price gouging, 561 profiteers were arrested, and fines amounting to Rs 11,905,000 were imposed.

Dr Kiran Khurshid further stated that to ensure the supply of flour at officially fixed prices during the holy month of Ramadan, 21,300 locations had been inspected.

Legal action was taken against 964 individuals involved in overcharging for flour, 21 flour sellers were arrested, and fines totaling

Rs 611,000 were imposed.

Similarly, action was taken against 1,670 butchers for selling broiler chicken meat at inflated prices.

Two cases were registered, 49 individuals were arrested, and fines of Rs 964,000 were imposed.

The secretary said that to ensure the provision of bread (roti) at government-fixed prices during Ramadan, Price Control Magistrates conducted raids at 68,970 locations. Strict action was taken against 5,568 'tandoor' owners and hotel operators involved in overcharging. As many as 11 cases were registered against those selling expensive 'roti', 151 individuals were arrested and fines exceeding Rs 1,940,000 were imposed, she maintained.

Likewise, to ensure uninterrupted sugar supply during Ramadan, raids were conducted at 17,760 locations. Legal action was taken against 940 individuals involved in overcharging for sugar, 35 sugar sellers were arrested, and fines exceeding Rs. 603,000 were imposed.

She stated, "There is zero tolerance against profiteering and hoarding of essential commodities during the holy month of Ramadan."

Through a coordinated strategy, the prices and quality of food items will be strictly ensured throughout Ramadan, she said.