April 26, 2008	Saturday	Rabi-us-Sani 19, 1429

ISLAMABAD, April 25: Shortage of wheat flour still persists in the federal capital as after squeezed supply of wheat to the flour mills the capital is facing the shortfall of 6,000 bags of 20 kg Atta per day.

This was admitted by the local administration Islamabad during a meeting of District Price Control Committee (DPCC), Islamabad here on Friday.

The meeting was informed that the local administration was trying to meet the shortfall through the Utility Stores Corporation. The total demand of Islamabad is approximately 74,000 bags of 20 kg per day.

The meeting was presided over by Chief Commissioner Islamabad Hamid Ali Khan and attended by the representatives of flour mills association, Naanbai Association, traders community, Utility Stores Corporation, Sabzi Mandi Fruit and Vegetable Dealers Association, members of DPCC and officials of local administration.

The meeting was told that wheat quota for Islamabad has been reduced from 60 bags per body (plant) to 36 bags per body (plant) of the flour mills.

The meeting was informed that district health office had also started sampling of flour in Islamabad to ensure the quality of flour, and necessary legal action would be initiated on receipt of results.

Meanwhile, the chief commissioner has directed additional deputy commissioner to take up the matter with National Institute of Health laboratory for sending sample results at the earliest.

The meeting reviewed the prices of essential commodities and decided to activate sub-price control committees in order to curb profiteering and strict implementation of rate list at retail level.

The chief commissioner reiterated the resolve to ensure the provision of food items at the controlled rate and provide maximum relief to the common man.

He directed members of committee and magistrates to ensure regular price checking in the markets and prominent display of rate list by the shopkeepers.

Mr Khan said the local administration had taken effective measures to ensure the sufficient availability of 20-kg flour bags.

He said that rates of fruits and vegetables for city and rural areas markets are being fixed by the ICT Administration.

Hamid Ali Khan said weekly bazaars were providing greater relief to the common man. “We are working to further enhance their performance and ICT would fix the rates of fruits and vegetables of weekly bazaars,” he added.

He said that local administration had provided land in Tarlai, Sohan and Tarnol for opening up utility stores outlets in rural areas.

Representatives of Naanbai Association said their association was still maintaining the old rates of Roti and Naan in Islamabad despite increase in the flour rate.

They expressed their eagerness to provide Roti and Naan at further reduced rates if the administration provides them Atta at subsidised rate.

It was decided in the meeting that regular sampling of atta would be ensured.