PM reviews measures to reduce prices of essential commodities

Directs officials to eliminate retailer-wholesaler price gap; meeting told officials removed.

ISLAMABAD:

Prime Minister Imran Khan directed chief secretaries on Monday to take all measures to ensure stability in the prices of essential commodities.

The premier's remarks came as he chaired a meeting of the chief secretaries to review the supply and demand of essential commodities.

PM Imran also directed officials to eliminate the difference between the price of the retailers and the wholesalers, Radio Pakistan reported. The premier stressed that the administrative measures must be visible to bring relief to the masses.

He further directed the participants to carry out comprehensive planning and ensure timely steps to meet the future requirements of wheat and sugar.

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According to the prime minister, protecting the commoners from price hikes is the top priority of the government.

Earlier, the meeting was apprised about the stocks of wheat and sugar and the measures being taken to ensure supply. The officials also briefed about the steps taken to bring a reduction in the prices of edible oil.

The meeting was further apprised about action against officials failing to bring the prices down.

It was told that seven assistant commissioners and two secretaries of the market committees had been suspended, while warning had been issued to two deputy commissioners in this regard.