ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has ordered a nationwide crackdown against hoarders who are responsible for creating artificial inflation.
Chairing a meeting of the federal cabinet today, the premier emphasized the need for keeping an eye on the demand and supply chain of food items and their prices. “I have been saying from day one that prices should be brought under control,” he said.
PM Imran also warned that action will be taken against officers who failed to take action against hoarders and profiteers. The prime minister said he wants the prices of essential commodities brought down at any cost.
The prime minister ordered to ensure complete prevention of wheat smuggling. He directed that comprehensive administrative measures should be taken to further improve inter-provincial coordination.
PM Khan also asked the National Price Monitoring Committee to monitor the prices of essential commodities on a weekly basis as already directed by the federal cabinet and devise a mechanism to bring down the prices of essential commodities.
He was asked to explain when the situation of wheat and flour supply in the country would become satisfactory. He was also asked to provide a timeline in this regard so the people could be informed about it.
Sources said the cabinet took stock of the country’s overall political and economic situation as well as rising inflation. A number of cabinet members aired their concern over skyrocketing food prices and fielded questions to Minister for Food Security Fakhar Imam in this regard.
“It was resolved that the government would take all possible measures to control the prices of wheat and overcome shortages if any.” according to the sources.
Moreover, the cabinet approved handing over the administrative control of the Sindh Infrastructure Development Company to the Planning and Developing Ministry, sources added.
