LAHORE: The Punjab government on Tuesday decided to refer the matter of early “release of wheat and its price” to the provincial cabinet for stabilising the commodity and flour rates in the market, which have been rising since the end of procurement season.

It may be mentioned here that traditionally the Punjab government starts releasing wheat in late September or early October when private market starts drying up. However, this year price of wheat started spiraling as soon as the season ended, either because of hoarding or reduced crop size – forcing Punjab to start releases as early as June.

Chief Minister Usman Buzdar presided over a meeting at his office to review steps for stabilising the prices of wheat and flour in the province and decided to refer the matter to the provincial cabinet. After cabinet approval, the wheat will be provided to flour mills at a price to be decided by it.

Addressing the meeting, Buzdar said the government has ample wheat stocks and every step will be taken to stabilise the price in the market. A decision will be made to stabilise the flour price after reviewing every option, he added.

The CM directed to take necessary steps to keep the prices of wheat and flour within the reach of commoners as the Punjab government has purchased record wheat during the current season.

Senior Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, the chief secretary, secretary (food), director (food) and DC Lahore attended the meeting.

SAPM YAR RIND: Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) and Balochistan’s Education Minister Sardar Yar Muhammad Rind called on Usman Buzdar at his office and discussed different matters including the promotion of inter-provincial harmony.

Talking on this occasion, Buzdar stated that both the provinces would together move forward for development and prosperity. “The people of Balochistan are hardworking and patriotic and the Punjab government will continue its cooperation for the development of the province. Balochistan is very near to my heart and the development of Balochistan is, in fact, the progress of Pakistan.”

Yar Muhammad Rind thanked the Punjab government for restoration of the mausoleum of Baloch chieftain adding that Usman Buzdar has won their hearts because Mir Chaakar-e-Azam Rind also enjoys a distinct status in the history of Punjab.

Provincial ministers Murad Raas and Yasir Humayun as well as the information secretary were also present on the occasion.

Published in Dawn, June 24th, 2020