Lahore (Web Desk): Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz Sharif has voiced alarm over the continuous rise in tomato and vegetable prices and instructed all relevant departments to take swift and result-oriented action to bring stability to the market and ensure smooth supply across Punjab.
While presiding over a meeting on Tuesday, she directed that price lists for essential food items be clearly displayed at every shop and market entrance so that citizens can easily check and compare prices.
The Punjab CM emphasized that the provincial government’s initiatives to reduce the cost of essential goods must translate into real and visible relief for the public.
During the meeting, the Price Control and Commodity Management Department shared a detailed strategy that includes policy reforms and technological advancements designed to strengthen price regulation and safeguard consumer interests.
Officials briefed the chief minister that a centralized digital dashboard and mobile app were being launched to provide real-time updates on the supply, stock position, and market rates of vegetables.
The system will also track the movement of vegetable trucks through GPS and monitor flour availability and wheat grinding processes via the Price Monitoring and Control Centre.
It was further disclosed that standardized vegetable carts would soon be introduced across Punjab to ensure uniformity among street vendors.
Similarly, all 239 “Maryam Nawaz Farmers and Vegetable Markets” will adopt consistent branding, including uniform stall designs, staff attire, and mechanical cleaning systems to maintain hygiene standards.
The chief minister was informed about the ongoing crackdown on those violating price control laws. Inspections conducted at 368,000 shops resulted in fines worth Rs54.8 million, registration of 321 FIRs, and 4,607 arrests for breaches of the Price Control Act.
CM Maryam also reviewed suggestions for setting up affordable stalls in neighbourhood markets and ordered strict enforcement of consumer protection regulations, particularly with the holy month of Ramazan approaching. She was updated on the progress of the Nigehbaan Ramazan Package as well.
The chief minister stressed that government efforts to reduce prices should create a clear and positive impact at the grassroots level.
CM Maryam said that effective planning and timely forecasting were vital to maintaining steady supplies and ensuring price stability for essential commodities throughout the province.