Islamabad (PR, March 6, 2025): The first meeting of the Monitoring Committee to ensure the provision of essential food items at affordable prices to the public of Islamabad during Ramadan, was held in Islamabad under the chairmanship of Convener Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry on Thursday. The meeting was attended by Federal Minister Hanif Abbasi, Federal Secretary Interior Khurram Agha, Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad Ch Muhammad Ali Randhawa, IG Islamabad Ali Nasir Rizvi, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad, and other relevant officers.
During the meeting, a detailed review was conducted regarding the provision of essential food items at affordable prices through the Ramadan Relief Package, including the establishment of subsidized bazars and Ramadan stalls.
During the briefing, it was apprised that under the Ramadan Relief Package, five major subsidized bazars and 20 Ramadan stalls have been set up in various sectors of Islamabad. Joint teams, in collaboration with the Islamabad Police and district administration, have been formed to regularly monitor and control the prices of essential food items. It was further infirmed that the joint teams have not only imposed fines but also taken legal action against violators, resulting in the arrest of 117 individuals so far.
It was also highlighted during the briefing that the prices of essential food items in Islamabad’s subsidized bazars and Ramadan stalls of various items are comparatively lower than those in Lahore and Rawalpindi. The Ramadan Relief Package has ensured the availability of essential food items in abundant quantities at these subsidized bazars and stalls.
The meeting was apprised that sugar is being provided at Rs. 130 per kilogram at the special stalls established under the Ramadan Relief Package. The committee directed that the availability of sugar in sufficient quantities be ensured and the number of sugar stalls be increased. Additionally, the district administration was instructed to devise a strategy to reduce the prices of ghee, flour, sugar, chicken, and eggs in the subsidized markets under the Ramadan Relief Package.
The committee directed the Assistant Commissioners and Price Control Magistrates to ensure the availability of essential food items at official prices in their respective areas. It was also directed by the committee that official price lists be prominently displayed at the subsidized bazars.
The committee emphasized strict action against those charging more than the official prices or engaging in illegal profiteering. It also directed that helpline numbers and WhatsApp contact details of officials be shared to facilitate consumers visiting the Ramadan subsidized markets.
Later, the monitoring committee visited the subsidized bazars and Ramadan stalls established under the Ramadan Relief Package and conducted a detailed review of the prices.
