Staff Reporter
Islamabad
National Price Monitoring Committee meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Special Finance Secretary here at Finance Division to discuss the price trend of essential food items. The meeting was attended by representatives from the provincial governments, Islamabad Capital Territory, Ministries of Industries, Commerce, Law and Justice, Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, National Food Security & Research, Inter Provincial Coordination along with Competition Commission of Pakistan and Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
The meeting was informed that CPI inflation year on year is recorded at 8.2 % in August 2020 as against 10.5 percent during the same month last year. The meeting also noted that average inflation during Jul-August FY 2021 also showing declining trend and recorded at 8.7 percent as compared to 9.4 percent same period last year. Government in consultation with all stakeholders is proactively taking measures to control the general price level of daily use items at country level.
Provincial governments and ICT informed that they are regularly monitoring the prices and taking strict action against hoarding and undue profiteering. Government in consultation with all stakeholders is proactively taking measures to control the general price level of daily use items at Federal, provincial and district levels.
The Committee also discussed the price movements of essential items among the provinces/ICT and observed variations in price level. It was decided that all provincial governments and ICT administration will take proactive measures to control the undue price hike of essential items. It was decided that provincial governments should provide information regarding the flood damages of minor and major crops to MNFS&R for timely response to any shortages. Ministries of Industries & Production and Commerce were directed to take prompt actions and provide necessary support to facilitate the import of essential food items.
