Says Shehbaz Sharif’s bail doesn’t mean that he didn’t commit robbery
Amraiz Khan
Special Assistant to CM on Information Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan has said that the government is committed to providing relief to inflation-hit masses and Ramazan Sahulat bazaars have been established across the province to provide quality essential commodities at low prices.
Talking to the media during her visit to Ramazan Sahulat Bazaar Shadman here on Wednesday, Dr Firdous said the welfare of the hoi polloi is the core agenda of the PTI-led government and hence, the government is endeavoring hard to ensure the availability of quality food items at affordable price.
The Special Assistant reiterated that protection of consumers’ rights will be ensured as people can’t be left at the mercy of hoarders and added that any negligence will not be tolerated in this regard.
She said that the former government spent millions of rupees on the infrastructure of model bazaars but no relief was given to the masses.
Dr Firdous said that war against the profiteering mafia is going on to bring down the prices of basic necessities. These mafias have made illegitimate profits by grinding the people in the mill of inflation.
She said the government will continue fighting these mafias and strict again will be taken against the hoarders and profiteers.
The SACM said the federal government has given a historic utility store package whereas the Punjab government has given Rs7 billion Ramazan Package for providing relief to the people during the holy month.
She said that 313 Ramazan bazaars have been established across the province where a 10-kilogramme flour bag is available at Rs375. The government is providing Rs3.7bn subsidy for the purpose, she added.
Dr Firdous said that vegetables, fruits, pulses, gram flour (besan) and other items are available in Ramadan bazaars at the same rates as in 2018.
Sugar is available at Rs65 per kg less than the market price of Rs85 per kg whereas ghee, chicken and eggs are sold for Rs10 to Rs15 less than the market price.
The SACM said the PTI government has tightened the noose around the Sugar mafia due to which sugar is available in abundance today however, the administration’s strategy for providing this facility to the people is not appropriate.
For the first time, sugar is being supplied at Rs15 to 20 lower than the ex-mill price, she said.
She said the government is providing maximum relief to the people and asked the media to highlight the revolutionary steps taken by the government for facilitating the masses.
Responding to a question, Dr Firdous said that Shehbaz Sharif’s bail doesn’t mean that he didn’t commit robbery. The court has enough evidence of his misdeeds. She regretted that the three judges hearing the case were posted to Islamabad.
The government does not have the authority to appoint judges but can only expose things, investigate and assist in court proceedings by presenting witnesses.
No government can fight the mafia alone and all institutions have a role to play in this regard. “No one is above the law,” she said. The blood-sucking mafia will be arrested at all costs, the SACM concluded.
