\n
![](\"https:\/\/i.dawn.com\/large\/2026\/02\/152031357aea1c6.webp\")
<\/p>\n
\n<\/p>\n
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Sunday vowed that \u201cstrict and indiscriminate action\u201d would be taken against those hoarding or raising the prices of goods during the holy month of Ramazan.<\/p>\n
According to the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (Suparco), the first day <\/a>of Ramazan is \u201clikely to fall\u201d on February 19, 2026. However, the final announcement regarding the beginning of the Islamic holy month will be made by the Ruet-i-Hilal Committee, the sole competent authority, based on credible witness testimonies from across the country.<\/p>\n \u201cExploiting citizens in this sacred month will not be tolerated under any circumstances,\u201d the provincial chief executive said in a post on X.<\/p>\n She added that directives and enforcement measures would be outlined in a meeting scheduled for tomorrow morning (Monday).<\/p>\n \n <\/a>\n <\/p><\/blockquote>\n <\/span><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n The Punjab Food Safety and Consumer Protection department (FS&CP), earlier this week, instructed <\/a>the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (Pera) force to ensure the availability of food items at officially notified prices across Punjab during Ramazan.<\/p>\n Chairing a departmental meeting regarding prices of essential commodities during Ramazan on Monday, FS&CP Special Assistant Salma Butt said the department had completed all preparations ahead of the holy month.<\/p>\n She said the Pera force should take strict legal action against those found involved in overcharging.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n