LAHORE: Expressing displeasure over the exorbitant prices of vegetables in six districts, Chief Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal says the difference among the prices of vegetables is not an issue of demand and supply but an `administrative weakness`.

At a meeting to review prices, availability, and price control monitoring mechanism of essential commodities at civil secretariat on Sunday, the chief secretary directed deputy commissioners to supervise the auction pro-cess in markets.

He said fixing exorbitant prices of commodities in the agriculture markets of some districts was `unjustifiable` and would not be accepted in any case. He expressed displeasure over higher rates of vegetables in Okara, Sialkot, Kasur, Chiniot, Faisalabad, and Khanewal than the nearby districts, besides seeking a report from the divisional commissioners in a week. He directed deputy commissioners to go to the field to review the situation and ensure administrative measures yield positive results.

The chief secretary said ofhcersneeded to work actively to grapple with the artificial price hike. He mentioned that performance about price control would be reviewed regularly and no laxity and negligence would be tolerated. He also directed the PITB chairman to devise an e-challan system for imposing fines on profiteers.

The administrative secretaries of industries, agriculture, and food, PITB chairman, additional IG and officers concerned attended the meeting.

Divisional commissioners and deputy commissioners participated through video-link.