ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Senator Shibli Faraz has said the district administration had been directed to take strict action against hoarders of wheat and sugar across the country.
While addressing a press conference after the federal cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad today, Shibli Faraz said the country has sufficient stock of wheat and sugar, and there is no issue of demand and supply in the products.
He said, “Wheat is being supplied to the flour mills in Punjab, and the provincial government is providing 16 billion rupees subsidy on the product”. He, however, said the private and public sectors have been instructed to import wheat to meet the deficit of 1.5 million tons of wheat.
Shibli Faraz said the cabinet has approved the constitution of a commission to enquire into the causes of shortage of petrol last month. The commission will give recommendations to ensure that such a situation does not develop in the future, the Minister added.
He said the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the encouraging indicators about Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme. He said a boost to the construction sector will have a positive impact on the overall economy.
The minister said the matter about payment of outstanding dues of media houses will be resolved instantly after the Eid.
He said that Prime Minister Imran Khan and his government are firmly committed to the freedom of media, the betterment of journalists and the provision of a conducive environment.
The Minister said the poor sewerage system in Karachi has been exposed in the recent rains, which caused serious problems for the residents of the metropolis.
Faraz regretted that the Sindh government has not improved infrastructure in the city. The Minister assured that the federal government will perform its role in the matter to mitigate the sufferings of the people of Karachi.
About the coronavirus situation, Shibli Faraz said the trend of the COVID-19 cases has considerably declined due to the PM’s effective smart lockdown policy.
He further said that the PTI-led federal government adopted a balanced strategy to save precious lives and the economy as well.
“Now, the world has also replaced the complete lockdown policy,” he added. He also highlighted the role of the National Command and Operation Center in addressing the challenges of pandemic effectively.
He, however, warned that carelessness during Eid-ul Azha will again raise COVID-19 cases. He urged people to strictly follow SOPs against the virus during the upcoming Eid.
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