CM warns of profiteering over naan

Rejects arbitrary price of flatbread set by naanbais

PESHAWAR: Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Chief Minister Mahmood Khan on Friday rejected the arbitrary hike in the price of flatbread by naanbais, warning that action will be taken against those who were not selling naan at the official price.

Speaking to people during a surprise visit of the Ram Pura Bazaar in Peshawar on Friday, Mahmood faced questions about the skyrocketing prices of wheat and the subsequent hike in prices of naan.

CM Mahmood said that wheat flour is available as per the government price list and that there is no flour crisis in the province.

He added that some elements have tried to create an artificial crisis but the ground reality is totally different as sufficient quantity of flour at official rates has been supplied throughout the province.

Regarding the price of naan, Mahmood clarified that flatbread weighing 115 gramme is still available at the official rate of Rs10.

He warned that legal action will be taken against those exceeding the official rate.

“All the available resources are being utilised to control prices and to give relief to people,” he stated.

Later, CM Mahmood paid a surprise visit to the Lady Reading Hospital in Peshawar and examined services offered in various departments, including emergency, outpatient (OPD), intensive care (ICU) and other wards.

He also inspected the newly established medical allied block of the hospital where officials briefed him about the medical facilities offered. The chief minister was informed that the newly-established allied block has a capacity for 200 beds along with standard equipment and facilities. Some 100 medical officers along with supporting staff have been deployed in the block, whereas while the availability of all medical specialists and doctors has been ensured.

Furthermore, surgeries are also being carried out by the senior doctors with consultants available on call.

The chief minister directed the administration and the medical staff of the hospital to ensure the provision of standard healthcare facilities to patients.

Mahmood assured that his government is focused on strengthening the health department and sufficient resources have been allocated for the purpose. The results of all these efforts should be visible, he directed.

He added that the Sehat Sahulat Card programme of the provincial government is being expanded to cover all residents of the province.