LAHORE: Chief Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal has directed the officials to continue taking administrative measures to ensure availability of flour and sugar at fixed rates in the province.

Owing to effective steps, he said, the prices of flour and sugar had come down significantly, adding that its continuity must be maintained.

Chairing a meeting at the civil secretariat, the chief secretary reviewed the prices and availability of food items especially flour and sugar. Mr Afzal said the performance of administrative secretaries of industries and food, commissioners, deputy commissioners and field officers in controlling the prices of flour and sugar was commendable.

He directed that the profiteers and hoarders should be dealt with iron hand, saying that the sale of eatables higher than the officially-fixed rates would not be tolerated in any case.

The chief secretary said the imported sugar would play an important role in stability of the price. He said the deputy commissioners could demand imported sugar from the food department as per the requirement of their district. He said only the general consumer should get the benefit of imported sugar and its sale for commercial use would not be allowed at all. He also asked the police and administration to keep a close eye on mass movement of flour and sugar to prevent its hoarding.

The chief secretary mentioned that the system of agriculture markets would have to be improved to control the prices of vegetables and fruits. He directed that strict action be taken against the officials of the market committees involved in corruption.

Published in Dawn, October 18th, 2021