Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has expressed deep anger over the unprecedented increase in chicken prices across the province and directed the relevant departments to take immediate action. She said that artificial increases in the prices of essential commodities before Eid-ul-Azha will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Chairing a high-level meeting, the chief minister termed the increase in chicken prices as “unfair” and “unacceptable” and ordered the relevant institutions to take immediate action. She said that “exploitation of the public will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”
The chief minister directed that the prices of other vegetables, including tomatoes, onions, ginger, garlic, green chilies, and lemons, should also be kept under close watch so that there is no hoarding or artificial shortage before Eid.
During the meeting, she was also briefed on the prices of flour, pulses, and bread. The chief minister also directed an immediate reduction in the price of roti in view of the recent decline in flour prices. He directed the Agriculture Department to prepare a comprehensive plan to reduce the cost of transportation of vegetables and to cultivate off-season vegetables.
It may be noted that in April 2025, the Punjab government had abolished the price fixing of chicken meat, after which shopkeepers were allowed to fix prices as per their will. After this decision, consumers had expressed concern over the increase in prices.
