PESHAWAR: The district administration held 69 shopkeepers and profiteers for overcharging, not displaying of price lists and encroaching footpaths in different areas of the city.

On the directives of DC Peshawar, Additional Assistant Commissioner, Bashir Ahmed along with police conducted surprise raids at Sirki gate and Shoba bazaar and arrested 16 persons for placing goods on footpaths in front of shops.

Additional Assistant Commissioner Saadullah Jan also arrested 14 persons at Gulbahar whereas 12 profiteers were booked by Additional Assistant Commissioner Tariq Hussain at Urmar area.

Additional Assistant Commissioner, Shazia Atta held 18 persons during various raids at posh Hayatabad.

The DC has directed the officials to continue their campaign and take strict action against profiteers and price hikers.

Placing of goods on footpaths in front of shops were created problems for pedestrians besides causing traffic jams and warned all such elements that strict action would be taken against encroachers.