KARACHI, Pakistan: Sindh Minister for Food, Manzoor Hussain Wasaan taking strong exception to reports about arbitrary increase in the rates of wheat flour made rotis by some of the sellers has urged officials for prompt action against the profiteers violating the official rates for the essential food item.
Chairing a meeting on Monday, he said the Sindh government was providing wheat and flour to the masses at a subsidized rate and did not charge for transportation and storage facilities.
“We can not allow any one to exploit the needs that too of food of the masses,” said Wasaan.
It was mentioned on the occasion that officially fixed price for a 100 Kg wheat flour in the province was Rs 3200 which when added with the cost of jute bags comes to a total of Rs 3340 and if sold in plastic bags costs the consumers Rs 3275.
Minister Manzoor Wasaan was informed by the concerned officials that a 100 Kg flour bag was available in the open market in Karachi at Rs 3400 to Rs 3450 against Rs 3390 in other provinces.
The meeting also appreciated the fact that while protecting the right of consumers, the Sindh government, in view of the interest of the cultivators, had also adopted a liberal policy with regard to sale of wheat and flour.
“However, to maintain a balance and avert any shortage of the essential food, the growers are required to sell a certain proportion of wheat to the government prior to its sale in the open market,” said the Sindh Food Minister.
He directed the concerned officials to coordinate with the districts’ administration in stabilizing price of flour and roti (bread) across the province.
The meeting was also attended by provincial secretary for food, Laiq Ahmed and other senior officials associated with the Sindh food department, including its director, Ahmed Ali Qureishi.
The minister reiterated that stern action would be taken against those fleecing consumers and violating the fixed mechanism.
APP
