Punjab Chief Secretary Jawad Rafique Malik on Wednesday directed that a comprehensive plan should be prepared for supply and sale of imported sugar. He asked the deputy commissioners to inform the Industries Department about the demand for their districts as soon as possible.
He issued the directives while presiding over a meeting to review the price control measures in the province. The meeting reviewed, in detail, the prices and availability of essential commodities, especially flour and sugar, in Sahulat bazaars and open market.
Addressing the meeting, the CS said that as per the directives of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister, there would be no shortage of any item including flour and sugar in the province.
He said that sugar was being imported to provide relief to the consumers and as soon as the shipment arrives, the supply would begin in the market without any delay. He directed the officers that only domestic consumers should get the imported sugar, ensuring that it is not hoarded or sold for the commercial use.
The CS said that abundant availability of essential commodities at fixed rates is a priority of the government, adding: “If a deputy commissioner sees shortage of any item including flour and sugar, he should immediately inform the Food Department.” He asked the divisional commissioners about the steps being taken to control the prices of commodities, especially vegetables, in the districts.
The CS said that the establishment of Sahulat bazaar aimed to provide relief to the common man and these facilities have started yielding positive results.
He mentioned that rush of buyers is expected at Sahulat bazaars in the beginning of the coming month, therefore, the supply of all commodities, especially flour and sugar, should be increased.
