Prime Minister Imran Khan directed on Tuesday for devising of a mechanism aimed at ensuring stability in the prices of wheat across the country and giving direct flour (atta) subsidy to those living below the poverty line.
Chairing a meeting to review prices of essential commodities, the prime minister observed that there was no shortage of edible items in the country and promised steps to ensure stability of the prices of commodities, especially in the flour and wheat.
The meeting considered different proposals to ensure availability of items of daily use at suitable prices. The prime minister directed the provincial governments to launch, without any discrimination, a full-scale drive against hoarders and profiteers with the help of district administrations.
The prime minister directed the Food Security Minister Syed Fakhar Imam to immediately formulate a detailed action plan on the availability of flour at reasonable prices in consultation with the provincial governments, representatives of the Flour Mills Association and other departments. In Directive was also issued for constitution of a committee, headed by the food security minister.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Usman Dar submitted a report compiled with the help of Tiger Force volunteers, enlisting ground realities about the prices of items of daily use. The prime minister appreciated services of the volunteers force.
The meeting was informed that, 20 kgs flour bag was being sold in Punjab at Rs 840 at 368 Sahulat bazaars. These bazaars registered 60% sale of flour, whereas on daily basis, the remaining 40% flour could not be sold out due to lack of customers.
The meeting was further informed that Sindh province was releasing more than 8,000 tonnes of wheat on a daily basis. The prime minister directed the Punjab government to ensure availability of flour at Utility Stores Corporation (USC) according to requirement.
Industries and Production Minister Hammad Azhar apprised the meeting that 100,000 tonnes of sugar had reached Karachi, out of which 25,000 tonnes was purchased by the USC and 75,000 tonness by the Punjab government.
The minister further said that sugarcane crushing season in Punjab would start from November 10, which would relatively bring down prices of sugar. The same process would kick-start in Sindh from November 30, he added.
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