RAWALPINDI: There is no shortage of wheat in Punjab and the government will not tolerate imbalance in demand and supply of the commodity in special Ramazan bazaars and general markets across the province, Punjab Minister for Literacy and Informal Basic Education Raja Rashid Hafeez said on Sunday.

He said the support price of wheat had been increased on special directives of Prime Minister Imran Khan in order to benefit farmers and increase wheat production.

This, he said, will have no effect on the existing stock of wheat and flour will be made available at pre-determined rates.

He expressed these views while addressing a gathering in Nayya Mohallah near Bara Market after inaugurating a newly-constructed road above the nullah.

The funds for construction of this road were approved by the minister.

He later addressed an open court held in front of his office on Saidpur Road.

National resources belong to the public and the government is making sure that they are utilised in a transparent manner through public welfare schemes, he said, adding that we are guards of the national exchequer and are spending every penny of it on public welfare projects with utmost honesty.

He said Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Bazdar had adopted a uniform and non-discriminatory policy for development in the province and provision of basic amenities to people.

“For the first time in the history of the province, contracts of construction work are being awarded on merit and it is being ensured that public money is spent only on public welfare,” he added.

People of the area thanked the provincial minister for meeting the longstanding demand by constructing the bridge.

He listened to personal and collective problems of people including traders besides hearing suggestions from them regarding ongoing development projects.

Instead of spending our resources and energies on publicity, we have spent all our resources on real public welfare projects, he said.

Published in Dawn, February 15th, 2021