Punjab officials imposed fines of more than Rs10.627 million on traders who sold essential goods above government-set prices during the past seven days.
Dr Kiran Khursheed, Secretary of Food Safety and Consumer Protection, said enforcement teams documented 19,902 violations across the province, many involving retailers charging above the notified rates.
The drive also uncovered 2,168 shops and other venues lacking clearly displayed price lists, making it harder for buyers to verify approved prices.
Inspectors conducted 18,774 checks focused on chicken prices and another 12,829 inspections to monitor sugar rates, ensuring compliance with official notifications.
The operation resulted in 56 arrests and the sealing of 19 locations where violations were found.
Officials indicated that inspections and enforcement will continue to deter traders from breaching price controls, and that actions will persist against businesses selling essential items above approved rates.
Recent data highlight the extensive monitoring effort, with tens of thousands of inspections and checks carried out in a single week, supplemented by penalties, arrests and sealed premises to promote retailer compliance.
The enforcement campaign is set to go on as Punjab authorities aim to keep essential commodities affordable at government-notified prices.
