LAHORE: Prime Minister Imran Khan arrived here on Tuesday afternoon on a short visit and presided over meetings on the Ravi Riverfront Urban Development Authority and on price hike.

Mr Khan landed in the city at around 4.40pm and left for the federal capital by 8pm after the two meetings.

He was accompanied by Minister for Information Shibli Faraz, Minister for Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam and his special assistant on accountability Shahzad Akbar.

Presiding over the price control meeting, the premier showed his displeasure over rising prices of eatables. “What pinches me the most is price hike making people’s life difficult,” he said while directing officials to ensure “stern action” against hoarders.

Tells Buzdar to ensure timely work on Ravi Riverfront project

Chief Secretary Jawwad Rafique assured the prime minister that no shortage of wheat and sugar would be allowed in the province.

Mr Fakhar told the meeting that imported wheat had started arriving in the country and Punjab had already received 57,000 tonnes.

The prime minister was given a detailed briefing on availability and prices of essentials and he ordered streamlining of imports to overcome the shortage of food items and price hike in the country.

He also presided over a meeting on the Ravi Riverfront Urban Development project and asked Chief Minister Usman Buzdar to stay alert and ensure that it must not suffer any delay.

“The project will not only create employment opportunities at a massive scale, but also fetch huge foreign investment. It should not be delayed for any reason,” he said.

Earlier, the prime minister held meetings with the chief secretary and inspector general of police.

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2020