KARACHI (Feb 18): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, presiding over a high-level meeting, finalised administrative and price-control strategies for the holy month of Ramzan and directed utility providers to ensure no electricity or gas is load-shedded during Sehr and Iftar, while the police will maintain law and order, including traffic management.
The meeting was attended by provincial ministers Jam Khan Shoro, Ziaul Hassan Lanjar and Riaz Shah Shirazi; Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab; Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah; IG Police Javed Alam Odho; Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi; provincial secretaries; and representatives of KE and SSGC. Commissioners and DIGs from other divisions, HESCO and SEPCO representatives of the province participated via video link.
Market Monitoring
During the session, the chief minister emphasised that Ramzan is a month of blessings and urged all stakeholders to care for the underprivileged. He issued stern warnings against hoarders and profiteers who exploit the public during this period, directing officials to take immediate action against such elements.
Magisterial Powers for Officers: Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah briefed the meeting that, with the approval of the chief minister, 480 officers across the province have been granted magisterial powers to monitor prices and take direct action against profiteers. At least 50 additional officers have been placed at the disposal of the Commissioner Karachi specifically for Ramzan duties.
The chief minister directed the commissioner Karachi to start price checking from tomorrow and ensure that the commodities, fruits and other edibles are sold as per the rate list.
The chief minister directed K-Electric (KE), HESCO, SEPCO and SSGC to ensure zero load-shedding during Sehri and Iftar to facilitate citizens. He also directed the Mayor Karachi to ensure water supply in the city.
Traffic Control: Murad Ali Shah tasked the DIG Traffic with managing rush-hour congestion, with a special focus on the period from 3:00 pm to Iftar and on nighttime traffic after the 15th of Ramzan.
Complaint Cells & Camps:
To ensure public grievances are addressed promptly, the chief minister has authorised several measures, including the establishment of 195 complaint cells across the province. Forty-nine complaint camps are being set up in major markets throughout Karachi. Sixty-five special counters (and up to 71 deputy commissioner counters in some districts) are being established in various marts and supermarkets in Karachi to monitor retail prices. In addition, flour concession stalls will be set up at designated locations – including Kemari sites such as Kifayah Mart and Metro Cash & Carry – to provide subsidised essential goods.
Price Regulation:
The meeting also reviewed current market rates and notifications for essential commodities. Recent notifications (as of mid-February 2026) have set official rates for items such as beef (Rs1,000–1,300/kg), mutton (Rs2,200/kg), live broiler chicken (Rs334/kg) and sugar (Rs140/kg), providing a benchmark for enforcement.
The chief minister directed the Sindh Solid Waste Management Board to ensure proper cleanliness of the city, warning that complaints about non-compliance would not be tolerated.
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad division has 55 major markets where price lists and instructions have been issued. Twenty-three complaint cells have been set up, and 68 teams will continuously visit different areas of the city. Sasta bazaars are being organised in collaboration with philanthropists. Seven dastarkhwans, including four in Hyderabad city, will also be arranged to provide free sehri and iftar.
Sukkur & Larkana: The administration has maintained atta prices throughout the division. Fifty-one officers will oversee price control in the Larkana and Sukkur divisions. One dastarkhwan in Larkana and two in Sukkur are being organised, Divsional Commissioner briefed the chief minister.
Shaheed Benazirabad: Sixty complaint cells have been set up across the division. Thirty-one fair price counters have been established in collaboration with traders’ associations.
Mirpurkhas: Price control will be carried out by deputy commissioners and assistant commissioners. In 21 markets, the administration has set up complaint cells, and sasta bazaars are being established across the divisions.
Abdul Rasheed Channa
Media Consultant to CM Sindh
