ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif asked provinces and administrative units to submit comprehensive strategy to government on provision of food items on subsidised rates during holy month of Ramadhan. Chairing meeting on availability of essential commodities and food items, he stressed using technology to control rates in Ramadhan bazars. He emphasised putting in place effective measures for security. He directed to increase number of Ramadhan bazars in big cities to accommodate maximum population. He said ensuring supply of essential items to citizens was basic responsibility of federal and provincial governments.

In this regard, he called for improving liaison between centre and provinces and directed strict action against hoarders. He stressed removing hurdles in import of necessary items on priority basis. He said special committees would be set up to improve supply chain of commodities and maintain their prices. Meeting was told that necessary steps were being taken to ensure supply of commodities including wheat, pulses and edible oil and other items. It was highlighted that federal government was supplying required wheat to provinces. Some provinces are using mobile phone applications to reach out to citizens for supply of essential items at reduced rates.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Minister for National Food Protection and Research Tariq Bashir Cheema, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, chief secretaries of four provinces, Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, chief commission of Islamabad and senior officials attended.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 14 2023

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