Govt asked to ensure availability of food items during Ramazan

ICCI officials urge market associations to cooperate with local administration

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) has asked the government to ensure the availability of essential food items during Ramazan.

In a statement, ICCI Muhammad Shakeel Munir said that since the month of Ramadan is approaching, the government must ensure the availability of all vital food items in sufficient quantity in markets and commercial areas to facilitate citizens.

He urged all relevant departments to take measures to ensure a timely supply of food items to avert any possible shortage during the fasting month.

 He said that the four holidays were observed in the federal capital owing to the recently held Organisation of Islamic Cooperation-Council of Foreign Ministers conference, which has affected the food supply chain in markets and industrial areas.

Munir said that arrangements should be made in advance for the smooth supply of food items in markets and industrial areas if prolonged holidays were to be observed in the future so that commercial and industrial activities did not disrupt.

He said that the demand for food items in Ramadan increases and the shortage will result in a price hike, which will make further holes in the pockets of consumers. He said that traders should cooperate with the government to ensure the availability of essential food items during the holy month.

ICCI Senior Vice-President Jamshed Akhtar Sheikh and Vice-President Muhammad Fahim Khan said that the role of local administration was crucial in ensuring the uninterrupted supply chain during Ramadan. They also requested market associations to cooperate with the local administration in ensuring a smooth supply of food items during Ramadan.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 26^th, 2022.