ISLAMABAD: Finance Minister Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh has directed provincial governments to follow a self-sustaining model and streamline daily release of wheat in provinces as well as in districts to ensure steady supply of the commodity.

The minister issued this directive while chairing the meeting of the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC) on Monday. Minister for National Food Security Fakhar Imam, Minister for Industries Hammad Azhar, Commerce Adviser Razak Dawood, Special Assistant on Revenue Dr Waqar Masood and provincial chief secretaries also attended the meeting.

An official statement issued after the meeting said that the finance minister also directed the Ministry of Food Security to chalk out a comprehensive strategy to ensure smooth supply of wheat flour at reasonable rates for the general public. He also asked the provincial governments to continue taking necessary steps to ensure provision of basic items at affordable prices across the country.

The NPMC reviewed the price trend of essential commodities especially wheat, sugar and edible oil during the week. The finance ministry briefed the meeting that weekly SPI registered a decline of 0.22pc driven mainly by falling prices of eggs, tomatoes, potatoes, onions and chicken. Prices of 21 basic items remained stable whereas seven items registered a decline.

Mr Shaikh directed the Ministry of Industries and Production to continuously monitor sugar stocks, supply and prices across country.

Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2021