PESHAWAR, Oct 9: The Utility Stores Corporation (USC) of Pakistan will open another 340 regular stores across the country by December this year. Besides, franchise stores to provide edibles on subsidised rates will also be opened at the union council level.

USC Managing Director Brig. E Mohammad Hafeez said this while talking to newsmen here on Monday.

He said that the number of warehouses in the country would also be increased to 32 from where edibles would be sent to all parts of the country to facilitate people through 1,000 regular stores, 450 mobile stores and 50 Sunday bazaars.

People of Fata and two FRs were being provided with edibles on subsidised rates through regular utility stores and Frontier Corps shops, he added.

He said the corporation had been providing quality items of daily use on subsidised rates under the Ramazan Package.

“The government has given Rs1 billion subsidy under the Ramazan Package under which, people can save Rs400 on purchase of items worth Rs2,000,” he said.

Brig Hafeez said the corporation was also in receipt of applications from people willing to open franchise utility stores at the union council level.

Dispelling the impression that utility stores were selling substandard items, he said sale of items from the various stores was being monitored by regional managers.