*CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif Directs to Ensure Price Control & Availability of Vegetables in Markets*

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed deep concern over price hike of tomatoes and other vegetables in markets. She chaired a high-level meeting and directed all stakeholders to take immediate measures to bring down vegetable prices and ensure their availability in markets across Punjab.Chief Minister Punjab directed the authorities concerned that price lists should be prominently displayed at all shops and entrances of marketplaces, so that consumers can clearly see and compare price rates of edibles and other commodities. She emphasized that the impact of Punjab government’s public welfare steps to reduce prices of essential edibles should be evident at public level as well. She was presented a comprehensive strategic plan by the Price Control and Commodity Management department, outlining various reforms and technological interventions aimed at improving price regulation and consumer protection across Punjab.Relevant authorities apprised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif that one of the major interventions for the purpose was the launch of a centralized digital dashboard and a dedicated mobile app to provide real-time data on availability of vegetables, stocks and their price rates in the markets. They briefed that additional features will comprise monitoring of supply chains including GPS tracking of vegetable trucks, flour availability and wheat grinding being monitored at the Price Monitoring and Control Centre. They further briefed Chief Minister Punjab that uniform carts of a standardized design will be introduced across Punjab for selling vegetables, aiming to bring order and uniformity to street vending. She approved uniform branding of all 239 “Maryam Nawaz Farmers and Vegetable Markets” across the province. These markets will also feature standardized uniforms for market staff, uniform designs for market shades, shops and deployment of mechanical sweepers to ensure cleanliness in the markets.Chief Minister Punjab was briefed on strict enforcement of price control laws across Punjab. She was also apprised that 368,000 shops were inspected, Rs.5 crore 48 lac fine was imposed, 321 FIRs were registered and 4,607 arrests were made for committing violations of Price Control Act. She reviewed proposals to set up affordable stalls in every neighborhood and directed to ensure effective enforcement of consumer protection laws in the markets especially during Ramazan. She was also briefed about "Nigehbaan Ramzan Package” in the meeting.Chief Minister Punjab emphasized the importance of forecasting demand for vegetables and ensuring preemptive arrangements to avoid artificial shortages and hoarding. She noted,”All government initiatives to reduce prices must have a visible and positive impact on the public.” She vowed, "Proper planning is essential to ensure consistent and smooth supply of commodities in vegetable and other markets across Punjab.”