‘USC suffered annual loss of Rs14b in past’

Hoarders, profiteers facing stern action, says special assistant

LAHORE:

Special Assistant to Chief Minister on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has said the public interest has always been a priority for Prime Minister Imran Khan.

She expressed these views while addressing a press conference after a visit to Utility Stores’ Mega Mall at Multan Chungi, Mansoora on Thursday.

Talking to media persons, Dr Firdous said the welfare of the whole population was the core agenda of PTI-led government and hence, the government is endeavouring hard to ensure the availability of quality food items on low price at all utility stores across the province.

“The government is also taking stern action against hoarders, profiteers and anti-people mafia and has further decided to monitor the prices of commodities in marts and cash and carry stores to facilitate the masses,” she added.

She reiterated that the people could not be left at the mercy of hoarders, adding that any negligence would not be tolerated.

Firdous said corruption, nepotism and unwanted subsidies of the former government have destroyed institutions but the PTI government was pursuing a comprehensive policy to make institutions strong and self-sufficient.

“The Utility Stores Corporation (USC) had an annual loss of Rs14 billion but thanks to the PTI’s people-friendly policies, the USC made a profit of Rs46 million in December 2020.”

She said the government was determined to provide maximum relief to the masses and all practical steps were being taken in this regard.

Responding to a question, the special assistant said the government strongly condemned the terrorist activity in Mach area of Balochistan and urged the protesting members of Hazara community to bury the bodies of their loved ones as Prime Minister Imran Khan would visit them soon.

Dr Firdous further
said PML-N was notorious for its politics over dead bodies and Begum Safdar was following the same tradition of her party over the Mach victims.

She said Begum Safdar was continuously encouraging fifth columnists with her irresponsible and controversial statements.

“This is the time to go beyond politics and stand united for the national interest,” she concluded.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8^th, 2021.