The Karachi administration, acting on directives from the Sindh Government, has ramped up its district-wide enforcement campaign to ensure wheat flour is sold at government-notified rates and to crack down on profiteering, overcharging, hoarding, and other violations. According to the consolidated enforcement report, inspection teams carried out 673 visits to flour mills, atta chakkis, wholesalers, retailers, and other flour sale points across all seven districts of Karachi.
Violations and Penalties
The inspections resulted in the detection of 143 violations, with fines totaling Rs1,205,000 imposed on businesses found violating notified flour prices and other applicable regulations. A total of 144 establishments were issued warnings, while two premises were sealed for serious violations. Penalties were also levied on retailers selling wheat flour above the notified prices, and certain flour businesses (atta chakkis) were directed to obtain required licences from the Food Department.
District-Wise Breakdown
The highest number of inspections occurred in District Korangi, where teams conducted 202 visits, detected 27 violations, imposed fines amounting to Rs364,000, issued 54 warnings, and sealed one establishment. In District South, the administration conducted 135 inspections, detected 46 violations, imposed fines of Rs354,000, and issued 14 warnings. In District East, 103 visits were made, resulting in 21 violations, fines of Rs165,000, and 16 warnings. District Central saw 81 inspections, 21 violations, fines of Rs159,000, 39 warnings, and one sealing. District Keamari had 52 inspections, 21 violations, fines of Rs154,000, and 11 warnings. District West recorded 75 visits, seven violations, fines of Rs9,000, and eight warnings. District Malir conducted 25 inspections.
Government Directives
The Sindh Government has directed the district administration to maintain strict surveillance of flour mills, atta chakkis, wholesalers, and retailers to ensure that the benefit of officially notified prices reaches consumers. District administrations have been instructed to conduct regular inspections, verify wheat and flour stocks and business licences, ensure prominent display of notified price lists, and initiate immediate legal action against businesses involved in overcharging, artificial scarcity, illegal storage, or non-compliance with government directives.
