Miller Magazine Issue: 132 December 2020

32 NEWS MILLER / december 2020 Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan directed for devising of a mechanism aimed at en- suring stability in the prices of wheat across the country and giving direct flour (atta) subsidy to those living below the poverty line. Pakistan PM orders mechanism for subsidy on flour Chairing a meeting to review prices of essential com- modities, the prime minister observed that there was no shortage of edible items in the country and promised steps to ensure stability of the pri- ces of commodities, especially in the flour and wheat. The meeting considered different propo- sals to ensure availability of items of daily use at suitable prices. The prime minister di- rected the provincial governments to launch, without any discrimination, a full-scale drive against hoarders and profiteers with the help of district administrations. The prime minister directed the Food Se- curity Minister Syed Fakhar Imam to imme- diately formulate a detailed action plan on the availability of flour at reasonable prices in consultation with the provincial gover- nments, representatives of the Flour Mills Association and other departments. In Directive was also issued for constitution of a committee, headed by the food security minister. Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Usman Dar submitted a report compiled with the help of Tiger Force volun- teers, enlisting ground realities about the pri- ces of items of daily use. The prime minister appreciated services of the volunteers force. The meeting was informed that, 20 kgs flour bag was being sold in Punjab at Rs 840 at 368 Sahulat bazaars. These bazaars re- gistered 60% sale of flour, whereas on daily basis, the remaining 40% flour could not be sold out due to lack of customers. The meeting was further informed that Sin- dh province was releasing more than 8,000 tonnes of wheat on a daily basis. The prime minister directed the Punjab government to ensure availability of flour at Utility Stores Corporation (USC) according to requirement. Imran Khan