Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Food, Zahir Shah Toru has said that strict legal action will be taken against those involved in hoarding and artificially inflating the prices of essential food items during Ramadan. He emphasized that no leniency would be shown in this regard.

Zahir Shah Toru made these remarks while presiding over a review meeting on the strategy to maintain price stability and curb artificial inflation and hoarding during the holy month. The meeting was attended by Secretary Food Saqib Raza Aslam and other officials from the food department.

During the meeting, Secretary Food briefed the minister about the measures being implemented across the province. He informed that special teams have been formed to tackle artificial inflation and hoarding effectively. “The teams will operate at the divisional level under the supervision of Deputy Directors of Food and District Food Controllers in their respective areas”, told Saqib.

The secretary further stated that the teams would not only hold meetings with businesses dealing in flour, sugar, and other essential commodities but would also conduct inspections and raids to ensure price stability and curb hoarding.

Minister Toru directed the officials to take all possible steps to provide relief to the public during Ramadan. He reiterated that those exploiting citizens through artificial price hikes and hoarding would face strict legal consequences.

“The provincial government is committed to facilitating the common man. No one will be allowed to loot the public by creating an artificial food crisis,” he said.

The meeting concluded with instructions to relevant officials to closely monitor market prices and the availability of essential commodities throughout Ramadan and to take immediate action against any violation.