By Altaf Hamid Rao
MIRPUR (AJK), Feb 27 : Following directives from Azad Jammu Kashmir Prime Minister Faisal Mumtaz Rathore to control self-induced inflation and price hikes, Tehsildar Mirpur Chaudhry Imran Yousuf conducted surprise inspections of shops across Mirpur on Friday.
The inspections covered areas including Thothal Police Station limits, Mirpur Old Hattian, Akbar Road, and Sangoat Road, focusing on the pricing of daily-use food items. Several shopkeepers were found selling commodities at rates higher than those fixed by the administration, not displaying rate lists, or offering defective items.
Magistrates imposed fines on the offending shopkeepers and warned others of strict punitive action if violations continue, particularly during the holy month of Ramzan. Tehsildar Imran Yousuf emphasized that cases will be registered against defaulters, urging all shopkeepers to provide relief to the public by maintaining fair prices of edible items during Ramadan.
Authorities said this drive aims to ensure compliance with price regulations, protect consumers, and curb unlawful profiteering, reinforcing the government’s commitment to safeguard citizens from exploitation in essential markets.