ISLAMABAD, Feb 12 (NNN-APP) – A meeting of Pakistan’s federal cabinet, with Prime Minister, Imran Khan in the chair, decided to provide subsidy of 10 billion rupees (65 million U.S. dollars) on five essential food items, in a bid to control rampant food inflation.
Briefing journalists after the cabinet meeting, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, on Information and Broadcasting, Firdous Ashiq Awan, said that, the subsidy of two billion rupees per month, for a period of five months will be given to the Utility Stores Corporation of Pakistan, with an aim to help bring down prices of basic commodities, including wheat, rice, sugar, oil and lentils.
Awan said, a decision was taken to ban the export of sugar, adding, the government was in the process of forging a strategy to keep a check on prices of essential edible items.
The government also decided to end import duty on lentils, to decrease their prices in domestic markets.
She added that, a loan facility has been approved to set up more utility stores across the country for provision of edible items of daily use to the people at affordable rates.
It was warned in the meeting that stern action will be taken against those responsible for artificially hiking up wheat and sugar prices.
During the meeting, the prime minister rejected proposal to increase prices of gas and electricity, saying, no extra burden should be put on the public. He directed to devise a mechanism to reduce the prices of gas and electricity, to reduce the burden of inflation on the people.
Taking notice of the skyrocketing inflation, Khan announced, the government would come up with various measures to reduce the prices of basic food items.
“I understand the difficulties ordinary people, including salaried class, are confronting and have decided, come what may, my government will be announcing various measures that will be taken, to reduce prices of basic food items for the common man,” the prime minister said.– NNN-APP
