QUETTA: The Balochistan government has decided to provide free ration to the families living below the poverty line during the holy month of Ramazan.

The decision was taken at a meeting presided over by Chief Minister Abdul Quddus Bizenjo here on Friday.

The meeting discussed a proposal by the chief minister to provide free ration to the needy people during Ramazan and approved it. The chief minister directed the officials concerned to compile data of the deserving families in all districts and start supplying ration to them immediately.

The secretaries and commissioners informed the meeting about the arrangements for holding Ramazan cheap bazaars and actions being taken by the provincial government against hoarders and profiteers during the holy month.

The meeting also took notice of low pressure and loadshedding of gas and electricity in the province and reviewed the situation in the wake of heavy rains that triggered floods in some parts of the province.

Mr Bizenjo expressed annoyance over the low gas pressure and electricity loadshedding and directed the authorities of Quetta Electric Supply Company and Sui Southern Gas Company to ensure their uninterrupted supply to the masses.

He said gas and electricity loadshedding during Ramazan was unacceptable to the provincial government and it would register a strong protest with the federal government in this regard. He directed setting up of Ramazan cheap bazaars in every district to provide relief to the masses. He also ordered a crackdown on hoarders and profiteers.

Pakistan Disaster Management Authority Director General Naseer Ahmed Nasar briefed the meeting about damages in the districts hit by rain, snow and hailstorm. He said PDMA staff had been present in all the affected districts and all relevant institutions were on high alert in these areas.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2023