Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved a Rs10 billion subsidy aimed at ensuring the provision of flour at affordable prices, after expressing strong displeasure over the rising cost of the staple in the province.
The chief minister convened an emergency meeting via video link and directed officials to guarantee the availability of affordable flour and wheat to the public under all circumstances.
Subsidised Wheat Quota Increased
During the meeting, a decision was taken to increase the quota of subsidised government wheat supplied to flour mills at Rs3,800 per maund. Participants also agreed on providing a Rs10 billion subsidy to ensure the supply of flour at reduced prices, which was subsequently approved by Maryam Nawaz.
The chief minister directed the relevant authorities to use all available resources to ensure that people could purchase flour at affordable rates.
Inflation Burden Called ‘Extremely Painful’
“The burden of inflation on the people of Punjab is extremely painful,” the chief minister said, adding that the government would utilise all available resources to provide affordable flour.
She stressed that the provision of subsidised flour and affordable roti would continue and warned that negligence in this regard would not be tolerated.
