The Chief Secretary of Balochistan, Mather Niaz Rana chaired a meeting on Wednesday to review price control, Ramazan package, prevention of coronavirus and other related issues in the province.
Secretary Industry Hafiz Abdul Majid, Secretary Food Noor Ahmed Parkani, DG PDMA Naseer Ahmed Nasir and all the Deputy Commissioners attended the meeting via video link.
While addressing the participants, the chief secretary said that Ramazan is a month of blessing and we as Muslims must pay special respect to this month and this is why all shopkeepers should refrain from profiteering.
He added that steps were being taken to strengthen the price control committees to prevent shop owners from exploiting the common man in the province and to ensure availability of food items.
Rana apprised the meeting about the availability of quality food items, availability of essential food items in utility stores, and the role of local administration in controlling the movement of food items from Pakistan to Afghanistan and Iran.
He issued strict instructions on other issues including holding cheap markets at the grassroots level. All the Divisional Commissioners were directed to take stern action against the shopkeepers and hoarders for overcharging.
The chief secretary requested all the deputy commissioners to keep a close watch on the movement of wheat and flour to curb smuggling of these goods.
“The availability of food items especially pulses, sugar, rice, flour should be ensured in all the utility stores,” he said.
He assured the meeting that the general public will be provided relief at all costs.
Rana said that the third wave of Coronavirus is spreading very dangerously and the provincial government is taking emergency measures to prevent it.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 1st, 2021.
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