Lahore, May 28, 2025 — Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has directed strict and immediate action against individuals and groups responsible for the unjustified surge in chicken prices across the province. The directive comes amid growing public concern over the sudden rise in poultry rates, which has placed an additional burden on households already coping with inflation.
Presiding over a high-level meeting in Lahore, the CM issued clear instructions to the district administration, market committees, and price control authorities to identify those involved in price manipulation and take strict legal action. She emphasized that no one would be allowed to exploit citizens for profit, particularly when it comes to essential food items.
“Relief to people is our first priority”
CM Maryam Nawaz reiterated her government’s commitment to ensuring price stability and protecting the rights of consumers. “The unjustified increase in chicken prices is unacceptable,” she stated. “Immediate relief must be provided to the people. We will not tolerate artificial inflation caused by hoarding or cartelization.”
She also instructed food departments and livestock authorities to submit daily price reports and intensify market monitoring. The CM added that surprise inspections of poultry farms, cold storages, and markets should be carried out to discourage hoarding and black marketing.
Collaboration with law enforcement and regulatory bodies
The Chief Minister has called for coordination with law enforcement agencies to assist the price control magistrates in their operations. She emphasized that violators should not only be fined but prosecuted under the law to set an example.
This move follows a week of sharp increases in chicken meat prices, with rates rising by Rs. 60–80 per kg in major cities like Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Multan. Industry insiders attribute the price hike to supply chain disruptions, while consumer rights activists claim that certain suppliers are manipulating the market.
Public support and reporting encouraged
The Punjab government has also urged citizens to report overcharging or unethical practices through dedicated helplines and complaint cells set up by the price control department. Authorities promised swift action on every legitimate complaint and encouraged public participation to curb inflation.
Ensuring sustainable poultry pricing
The provincial leadership is now considering long-term policy mechanisms to stabilize poultry pricing, including subsidies for poultry feed, transparent price determination processes, and regulation of middlemen operations in the poultry supply chain.
This is not the first time the Punjab government has intervened in essential commodity pricing. Similar crackdowns have been seen in the past under the same leadership, aiming to ensure public welfare and price control through rigorous governance.
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