Special Assistant to the Chief Minister Punjab, Muhammad Mansha Ullah Butt has claimed that flour prices are stable in the province and flour millers are selling flour bags on government announced rates. He warned that unilateral increase in flour prices would not be tolerated and strict action would be taken against those found increasing flour prices.
Addressing a press conference here on Friday he said that the government representative had a meeting with the flour mills association in this regard and office-bearers of the association had assured the government of their full support in keeping the prices of flour stable in the province. Butt said that wheat reserves are in abundance in the province and 'wheat procurement policy' for the current season would be announced soon.
Giving details of his meeting with the representatives of the flour millers association, CM's Special Assistant said that the millers' delegation has assured him of not increasing the prices of flour despite increase in transportation charges, electricity tariff and increased load shedding.
He alleged that the federal government by allowing Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) to sell wheat in the province had violated the mandate of the Corporation. He said that the provincial government had taken up this issue with the federal government. Replying a query regarding distribution of gunny bags to small growers, Butt said that the system of gunny bags distribution would be improved to facilitate small growers and buying their produce maximum. He said that under the policy any grower would be issued gunny bags again after 15 days of first issuance of the gunny bags.