• Says new dams to meet energy needs
• Seeks finalisation of SMEs’ uplift policy

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday directed the provincial governments to take every possible administrative measure to stabilise prices of basic items and check the illogical difference existing between wholesale and retail rates.

Also, PM Khan in an interaction with the Wapda chairman called for reduction in electricity charges under the government’s ambitious plan called the ‘Decade of Dams’.

In separate meetings, the premier asked for early finalisation of a proposed policy for the uplift of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and directed the authorities to finalise a plan of setting up the Universal Pakistan Emergency Helpline by merging all existing emergency help numbers.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr Khan reviewed the demand and supply as well as cost of essential items at a meeting. He ordered the provincial chief secretaries to ensure stability of prices at wholesale and retail levels.

“As prices of basic essential items have hit the common man hard, the present government’s foremost priority is to protect them,” the prime minister was quoted as saying.

Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin, Minister for Industries and Production Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, Minister for Planning Asad Umar, Minister for National Food Security Syed Fakhar Imam, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razzak Dawood, Minister of State for Information Farrukh Habib, special assistants Dr Shahbaz Gill, Dr Sania Nishtar and Jamshed Iqbal Cheema and secretaries of the relevant ministries attended the meeting. Provincial chief secretaries and senior officers participated in the proceedings via video link.

The prime minister was of the opinion that mere action against irresponsible officers was not enough. The outcome of administrative measures should be provision of relief to people, he said.

Mr Khan called for comprehensive planning and timely steps in view of future demands for sugar and wheat.

Earlier, a briefing was given on comparative analysis of the prices of essential items across the country, with focus on wholesale and retail rates.

The meeting was apprised of the existing sugar and wheat stocks and the measures being adopted to cater for future requirements.

The prime minister was informed about the steps being taken to bring about a significant reduction in prices of edible oil. Mr Khan was told that talks with relevant stakeholders had entered a final stage and the price of edible oil was expected to drop by Rs10 to Rs15 per litre.

Punjab Chief Secretary Jawwad Rafiq apprised the participants of the administrative measures being adopted to stabilise prices in the province as well as action being taken against officers not fulfilling their responsibilities.

While chairing a meeting to review measures for promotion of SMEs, Prime Minister Khan said the incumbent government was facilitating the sector as it had been neglected in the past.

Mr Khan termed the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) the most crucial component of national economy and sought early finalisation of a proposed policy for its uplift.

Published in Dawn, August 31st, 2021