Ramadan Price Violations Trigger Massive Sweep in Quetta as 119 Detained, 49 Businesses Shut Down

Independent Report

QUETTA, Feb 22: Acting decisively during the holy month of Ramadan, the district administration on Saturday launched an extensive operation across the city against traders accused of exceeding government-approved rates. The move followed the Chief Minister of Balochistan’s intervention after receiving complaints about inflated prices of meat and other essential commodities.

Official data revealed that inspection teams visited a total of 396 shops in various localities of Quetta. As a result of the enforcement drive, 119 shopkeepers were taken into custody and sent to jail, while 49 outlets were sealed for violating the officially notified price list.

In the City Subdivision, authorities inspected 78 shops, leading to the arrest of 48 individuals and the sealing of 19 premises. Meanwhile, in the Saddar Subdivision, 65 shops were examined, resulting in 24 arrests and closure of 11 shops.

Operations in Sariab Subdivision covered 91 shops, where 28 traders were detained and 11 shops sealed for overcharging. In Kuchlak Subdivision, inspection teams checked 46 outlets, arresting 13 shopkeepers and sealing nine establishments for non-compliance.

The district administration reiterated its firm stance against profiteering, stating that no leniency would be shown to those exploiting citizens during Ramadan. Officials affirmed that enforcement of the official price list would remain rigorous and uninterrupted to safeguard public interest and provide relief to consumers throughout the holy month.