Bashir Hussain Azad
Chitral, July 25, 2026: The Lower Chitral district administration launched a crackdown against profiteering and violations of the official price list in Chitral Bazar, sealing several shops and arresting shopkeepers accused of overcharging customers.
The action was carried out on the directives of Deputy Commissioner Rao Hashim Azim, as administrative officials conducted a detailed inspection of the market.
The operation focused primarily on poultry and butcher shops, where officials checked the availability of government-issued price lists, compliance with official rates, and overall hygiene standards.
During the inspection, authorities found several shopkeepers charging prices above the officially notified rates and maintaining poor sanitary conditions. As a result, multiple shops were sealed on the spot, while those involved in profiteering were taken into custody.
District administration officials said exploitation of consumers and violations of the official price list would not be tolerated.
They warned that indiscriminate legal action would continue against profiteers and businesses failing to meet hygiene standards to ensure the availability of quality food items at government-approved prices for the public.