Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed concern over the recent rise in tomato and vegetable prices across markets in the province, directing all stakeholders to take immediate steps to reduce rates and ensure availability.
Chairing a meeting in Lahore, the Chief Minister instructed authorities to display price lists prominently at all shops and market entrances to help consumers compare rates. She stressed that the effect of the provincial government's public welfare measures to reduce prices of essential goods must be visible at the community level.
The Price Control and Commodity Management Department presented a plan outlining reforms and technological tools to enhance market regulation and consumer protection. The plan includes a centralised digital dashboard and mobile application providing real-time data on vegetable stocks, availability, and pricing. Officials said that additional monitoring will include GPS tracking of vegetable transport vehicles, checks on flour availability, and wheat grinding data collected through the Price Monitoring and Control Centre.
The government also plans to introduce standardised carts for vegetable vendors across Punjab to bring order to informal street vending. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz approved uniform branding for all 239 'Maryam Nawaz Farmers and Vegetable Markets' in the province. These markets will have standardised staff uniforms, shop structures, and cleaning systems, including the use of mechanical sweepers.
During the briefing, the Chief Minister reviewed proposals for affordable vegetable stalls in neighbourhoods and called for strict enforcement of consumer protection laws, particularly during Ramazan. She was also updated on the Nigehbaan Ramazan Package and the enforcement of provincial price control laws.
Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Price Control and Commodities Management, Salma Butt, stated that the current price hike is primarily caused by road blockages linked to border tensions, sit-ins, and protests that have disrupted vegetable and fruit supplies to markets. She noted that, "Under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, a significant decline in vegetable prices over the past one and a half years has provided relief to the public. The current situation has temporarily affected supply chains, but alternative measures are being implemented to ensure smooth availability of essential items."
Butt added that profiteers exploiting the situation would face strict action. She directed the district administration and the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) to continue operations against hoarding and overpricing to stabilise the province's vegetable supply chain.
Source 1: The Express Tribune
Source 2: The Nation
