KARACHI: Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said on Thursday that wheat and flour prices were stable in Sindh but their higher prices in Punjab might destabilise the market here.

He was presiding over a review meeting of wheat stocks and prices at the CM House which was attended by Food Minister Hari Ram, Chief Secretary Mumtaz Ali Shah, Food Secretary Laiq Ahmed and other officials.

Briefing the meeting, when the food secretary said that supply and prices of wheat and flour were stable in the province, the CM apprehended that high prices in Punjab might destabilise the market in Sindh.

It may be noted that normal releases of wheat by the food department start in September.

Mr Laiq told the meeting that the Punjab government had decided to release wheat forthwith because of its crisis in that province. Still wheat and flour prices in Sindh were lower than those in Punjab.

The CM said the federal government should release wheat earlier on the pattern of Punjab so that its prices could be stabilised in the market.

Mr Shah directed the food department to prepare the overall position of wheat production and availability in the country. “The matter of price fixation and release of wheat will be placed in the next cabinet meeting for discussion and decision,” he said.

Published in Dawn, July 10th, 2020