The Punjab government has decided to launch a crackdown on those involved in hoarding and smuggling of fertilizers and wheat and Chief Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal has issued instructions to all deputy commissioners in this regard.
The instructions were issued during a video-link meeting of the all divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners held at the Civil Secretariat in Lahore today.
The Chief Secretary Punjab said that strict action would be taken against the hoarders and profiteers of fertilizers. He sais that only declared stock would be permitted in godowns and stocks would be seized in case of hoarding. He directed the deputy commissioners to sell the confiscated stock in the market at the officially-fixed price.
The Chief Secretary clarified that conditional sale of urea with DAP and sale of fertilizers after 8:00pm would not be allowed. He said that duties have been assigned to the special branch to provide information to the administration regarding fertilizer, wheat smuggling and hoarding.
The Chief Secretary asked the officers to ensure monitoring of fertilizer stocks, sales and supply through the online portal and keep a close watch on the transportation of wheat and fertilizer in the bordering districts. He also issued instructions regarding complete monitoring of wheat grinding and flour supply from flour mills.
The secretaries of relevant departments including agriculture, food, commissioner and deputy commissioner Lahore attended the meeting while divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners participated through video link.