Crackdown on overpricing: majority of butcher shops shut as dozens arrested in Abbottabad

ABBOTTABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 21st Feb, 2026) More than 50 percent of butcher shops remained closed in Abbottabad on Saturday following a strict crackdown against the sale of meat at rates higher than the officially notified government prices, with a large number of violators arrested and sent to jail, sources said.

According to sources, police lock-ups across the district were filled on Friday evening with traders accused of selling essential food items at inflated rates. Most of those arrested were reportedly non-local youths involved in overcharging customers, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

The ongoing action is being carried out under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Sarmad Saleem Akram, who has directed strict enforcement of official price lists to ensure relief for citizens.

Sources said such strict monitoring and enforcement had rarely been witnessed in the district’s past. Assistant Commissioners have also been actively visiting markets and public places to monitor prices and engage with citizens.

However, despite the intensified enforcement, market irregularities persist, and the closure of a majority of butcher shops has created a noticeable impact on the availability of meat in the city.