CM Maryam hails flour millers for calling off strike

Supply restored across province as grinding resumes

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has welcomed the announcement of the Flour Mills Association of calling off its strike.

The CM said the association would not observe strike against the imposition of withholding tax in Punjab.

The leaders of the association were persuaded during dialogue to call off their strike.

The chief minister thanked the chairman and other leaders of the association on taking a unanimous decision for not observing strike in Punjab.

She said there had been an apprehension regarding the likelihood of flour shortage and the bread getting expensive for the people as a result of the strike.

The CM said the poor people will incur a major financial loss in the shape of price hike of wheat and flour.

She promised to play a vigorous and proactive role in the resolution of legitimate reservations and issues of the Flour Mills Association.

She added there is no need to protest for the solution of problems.

Flour supply has been restored across Punjab after the association's strike was put off and grinding operations resumed.

During a video link meeting with all divisional officers on Sunday, Punjab Food Secretary Moazzam Iqbal sought a report on the monitoring of flour supply and prices in the market after the strike.

The secretary said all officers of the food department would continue field operations.

The performance of officers in ensuring the supply of flour and prices despite the strike is commendable, he added.

The secretary warned that cases would be registered against flour dealers and retailers who artificially increased the prices under the pretext of the strike.

While ensuring the supply and stock of flour in the market during Muharram, no compromise will be made on the quality and weight, he added.

He clarified that work will continue on a zero-tolerance policy regarding flour price increases.

Meanwhile, Punjab Food Minister Bilal Yaseen called for expediting the supply of flour to the markets.

According to official sources, he said officers of the department should ensure the provision of flour.

In view of Muharram, there should be no complaints with regard to shortage of flour or high rates in any district, he added.

He said the chief minister was herself monitoring the supply and price of flour.