ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that controlling inflation is topmost priority of his government and overpricing during of Ramadhan would not be tolerated.

Addressing Cabinet members in maiden meeting, Prime Minister said that people are suffering from inflation but subsidies are being given to ‘Ashrafia’.

“Tax evaders and officials involved in facilitating tax evasion will not be spared,” Shehbaz Sharif added. He said that black sheep in government institutions would be identified and brought to justice

Speaking on possible overpricing and hoarding during Ramadhan, he said that an increase in prices of essential commodities is not acceptable under any circumstances.

Shehbaz Sharif said that economic revival and controlling inflation are among their top priorities. Newly appointed federal ministers attended maiden Cabinet meeting. Meanwhile, Prime Minister met President Asif Ali Zardari and greeted him on assuming president office. Both leaders discussed current political situation of country during meeting. According to sources, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif once again requested President Asif Zardari to include Pakistan Peoples Party in Cabinet in second phase. President Zardari promised to consider matter.

Earlier, Chaudhry Shujaat also greeted Zardari on assuming charge of President.

19-member Cabinet took oath at President House. President Asif Ali Zardari administered oath to newly appointed ministers of Cabinet.  Earlier, PM Shehbaz recommended list of lawmakers to President Zardari for appointment as ministers, including Khawaja Asif, Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Tanvir, Azam Nazeer Tarar, Chaudhry Salik, Aleem Khan and Jam Kamal.

Recommended list includes Amir Maqam, Owais Laghari, Ata Tarar, Khalid Maqbool Siddique, Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, Riaz Pirzada, Ishaq Dar, Mussadiq Malik, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Ahad Cheema and Mohsin Naqvi.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 12 2024

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