Firdaus Ashiq Awan says companies which benefited from hike in prices would be asked to return the money. PHOTO: EXPRESS/FILE
Briefing the media about the decisions taken at the cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, Awan said that the prices of drugs would be brought down in consultation with all stakeholders, adding that provinces have also a crucial role in the control of prices
Awan said that the decision to increase drugs prices is withheld on the instructions of the prime minister. "Details will soon be provided by the prime minister's special assistant on health," she added. "The companies which have benefitted from increase in the price of medicines would be asked to return the money and that funds will go to the Bait-ul-Maal," Awan added.
She said the cabinet was briefed on inflation and rising prices of essential items. The cabinet also decided to check on prices of essential items during the holy month of Ramazan and keep an eye on hoarders and cartels. She said the inflation during the last eight months of this government is still less comparing with the same period of previous two governments.
"The prime minister has given special directions to the chief ministers to ensure that the prices remain under control," she said. "The cabinet also decided to ensure that the authorities remain extremely vigilant against mafias involved in price hike and hoarding during the holy month of Ramazan."
Awan said that price hike is a big challenge and the government is considering various measures to combat the trend. "A decision has been taken to strictly monitor prices of the daily products. The government has decided to regulate the role of middlemen to curtail the prices," she added.
The cabinet has also approved extension in liquefied natural gas (LNG) contracts signed by the former government, she said. Promising to expose the frauds committed in the past in LNG import, she said that the new contracts "will be open and approved after recommendations" by Economic Coordination Committee (ECC).
The cabinet approved the reorganisation of Board of Investment (BoI), appointment of judicial member for appellate tribunal and tax exemptions for projects under the Saudi Development Fund. It directed the authorities to ease the process for mercy petition over the death penalty to the president. The meeting also discussed measures for the next fiscal year, while the amnesty scheme is being given the final shape.
The federal cabinet during its meeting also welcomed its new members. Awan said the Prime Minister directed all ministers to introduce policies in public interest and improve their performance in order to resolve the issues faced by public. "The ministers have been advised to show better performance," she said.
Prime minister took the ministers into confidence over his official visit to Iran. The cabinet members congratulated the prime minister for his successful visit. "Iran is not just a neighbour but also a brotherly Muslim country. We were having some misunderstandings and we needed to sort them with Iran. There is a need to expand trade relations between Pakistan and Iran," Awan said.
On the upcoming China visit by the prime minister, the special assistant on information said that Khan will sign the second phase of Free-Trade Agreement with China in Beijing. The contract promises room for more exports to China.
The cabinet endorsed the policies of Prime Minister Imran Khan and his vision of democracy that is free from corruption and functions only to empower the common man and reduces their issues. "Democracy weakened due to corruption and plea-bargaining," she said.
She said that responsibilities of the government have increased given the challenging times facing the country. Responding to a question, Awan said that oil exploration work is under way and "we hope to have good news soon".
She said that she informed the prime minister about the recommendations of the media strategy committee. "We are aware of the issues facing the journalists but these will soon be resolved. The government will soon announce the interim wage award for the journalists."
She said the information ministry is committed to provide relief to the journalist community. Safeguarding the rights of the journalists is one of the fundamental goals of the ministry," she said, adding that contact with media houses will see more improvement.
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