Stability in prices of edible items Govt’s top priority: PM

December 31, 2020: Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that stability in prices of edible items is the top priority of the government and directed to strictly monitor demand and supply indicators of these commodities to avoid any crisis.

Chairing a high-level meeting on prices of essential items in Islamabad, he ordered to take strict action against hoarders and elements involved in food adulteration as no one will be allowed to endanger people's health.   

Imran Khan gave instructions to formulate an annual plan in partnership with the Ministry of National Food Security and Pakistan Bureau of Statistics while keeping in view wheat demand, available stock of the commodity and upcoming crop.

He also directed to identify sugar mills involved in tax evasion and to ensure legal action against them.

The Prime Minister said that a decline in prices of essential items has been a witness in the last two months and steps should be taken to keep this momentum.

The Prime Minister was apprised of the reduction in the prices of sugar and flour. Besides, he was informed about a significant reduction in the prices of potatoes, onions, and poultry and its positive impact.

It was told that the current rate of Consumer Price Index inflation has come down to 4.4 percent from last year and 0.9 percent from the same month last year, which is a welcome sign.  

The Prime Minister was told about the demand and prices of edible items, especially in view of growing pressure on local rates due to higher prices in the international market in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Minister for Industries and Production Hammad Azhar assured the meeting to soon materialize a strategy, in consultation with all the concerned stakeholders, to bring down prices of ghee in the country.

Radio Pakistan