Ghee millers demand payment of Rs13b dues

Ghee millers have asked the government to clear the outstanding dues of Rs13 billion against the Utility Stores Corporation (USC).

Ghee millers and other industries had supplied their products to USC but they were denied payments.

The matter was taken up at a meeting between Prime Minister's Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar Khan and the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA) on Friday. PVMA Chairman Sheikh Umar Rehan, Ministry of Industries and Production Secretary Saif Anjum and representatives of the ghee industry were present in the meeting.

The discussion focused on the challenges being faced by the ghee manufacturing sector. Haroon Akhtar acknowledged the concerns raised by the industry and assured them of the government's support.

"We fully recognise the issues being encountered by the ghee sector and are committed to not putting the industry under any additional pressure," the PM aide said.

He declared that all outstanding dues would be paid promptly. While acknowledging that cash disbursements take time, he emphasised that efforts would be made to expedite the process. He also highlighted the government's recent efforts to support the low-income families, stating, "PM Shehbaz Sharif has successfully delivered the Ramazan package directly to the deserving households."