PM Imran directs mechanism for subsidy on flour prices
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has directed the Ministry of National Food Security to devise a mechanism to ensure the stability of wheat prices across the country and giving direct flour subsidy to those living below the poverty line.
While chairing a meeting to review prices of daily commodities the prime minister reviewed different proposals to ensure the availability of daily use items at suitable prices.
PM Imran observed that there was no shortage of edible items in the country, and vowed that effective and practical steps to ensure stability in the prices of daily commodities, especially flour and wheat, would continue.
He ordered the Ministry of National Food Security to formulate strategies in this regard in collaboration with other relevant ministries.
The prime minister also directed Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam to work out a comprehensive plan in consultation with the provincial governments, flour mills association representatives and other concerned departments over the immediate availability of flour at suitable prices across the country.
In this regard, a direction was also given for the constitution of a committee headed by the minister for food security.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Youth Affairs Usman Dar submitted a report compiled with the help of Tiger Force volunteers enlisting ground realities about prices of daily use items.
The meeting was apprised that in Punjab province, 20 kgs flour bag was being sold at Rs 840 at 368 Sahulat bazaars. These bazaars registered 60 percent sale of flour whereas, on daily basis, the remaining 40 percent flour could not be sold out due to lack of the number of purchasers.
The prime minister directed the provincial governments to launch an indiscriminate full sale drive against hoarders and profiteers with the help of district administration.
The meeting was further informed that more than 8,000 tonnes of wheat were being released from Sindh on a daily basis.
The prime minister directed the Punjab government to ensure the availability of flour at Utility Stores Corporation (USC) according to its requirement.
Moreover, Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar apprised the meeting that 100,000 tonnes of sugar had arrived at Karachi out of which 25,000 tonnes and 75,000 tonnes were purchased by the USC and Punjab government, respectively.
