No chance of increase in the price of flour: Secretary Food

Lahore: Provincial Minister for Food & Chairman Cabinet Price Control Committee Bilal Yasin presided over a meeting of the price control committee at Darbar Hall, Civil Secretariat, today. Members Provincial Assembly Mian Rafi Rajwara, Mohsin Bhatti, Abdul Rauf Mughal, Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Secretaries of Agriculture, Industry, Food, Transport, Information departments and Director General Food Authority were also present on the occasion.

Secretary Food informed the meeting that at present there are 30 lakh metric tons wheat in government godowns, therefore, there is no chance of increase in the price of flour. Similarly, there are nine lakh metric tons sugar in the stock and there is need to take steps for controlling the artificial increase in its price, upon which, District Administration has been directed to take steps for selling sugar at Rs.55 per kg.

Secretary Industry informed the meeting that due to supply of tomato and onion from KPK and Balochistan to local market, their prices have been reduced considerably as compared to last month whereas due to active role of Price Control Committees at district level, prices of essential items have remained at reasonable level. DCOs and Commissioners have been directed to ensure check and balance of market committees on daily basis.

Bilal Yasin directed the meeting that it is an important responsibility of the administration to keep prices at reasonable level and no effort will be spared in this regard.  He said that the mechanism evolved for controlling the price-hike should be fully implemented and District Administration should hold its meetings regularly. The Provincial Minister directed Magistrates to play their role in controlling the prices of edible items and check the prices in the markets irrespective of political influence. He directed that selling of Khamiri Roti and Naan at Rs.8, milk at Rs.65 per litre and yogurt at Rs.75 per kg should be ensured and profiteering will not be allowed.