Fruit and vegetable vendors in Model Bazaar near Mehboob Alam Chowk in Okara went on strike on Friday in protest against para-force action and fines imposed for selling items above government-set prices.

Shopkeepers burned tyres and blocked the road, chanting slogans against what they described as “unnecessary fines and threats.” The protesters said rising market prices for food items made it impossible to sell at government rates.

Para-force officials, however, said authorities would not allow vendors to charge more than the government-approved prices in Model Bazaar, emphasising that consumer rights would be protected at all costs.