The federal cabinet on Thursday imposed a ban on the export of potato, tomato and onion in order to control the prices of these edible items. The cabinet also decided to release 100,000 tons of wheat to Sindh and the erstwhile FATA.
Addressing a press conference after the federal cabinet meeting, the Special Assistant to Prime Minister on information and broadcasting Dr Firdous Ashiq Awan said the federal cabinet considered a 16-point agenda and decided to take steps to provide relief specially to the low-income segments of society.
A detailed review was made over the government's steps taken to reduce inflation, whereas, the members have made a decision, in principle, for not hiking power and gas prices.
During the meeting, the premier directed concerned authorities for strict monitoring of commodities' prices after the issuance of a relief package. It was also directed to devise a strategy for decreasing import levy to lessen prices of pulses.
She said the cabinet issued directives to stop smuggling of linter pulse (mong ki daal). She said PM has directed to ensure supply of essential items on controlled rates during the month of Ramazan.
"Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed to bring stability in prices of edible items besides their timely provision during Ramazan."
Firdous Ashiq Awan said the cabinet was informed that due to effective measures of the government, the prices of edible items are coming down. She said the cabinet was also informed that the government's initiative of providing subsidized items in Utility Stores is yielding positive results.
She said the cabinet expressed its resolve that the elements behind sugar and wheat crises would not go unpunished. A comprehensive report on wheat crisis would be tabled next week, she added. She said the cabinet has also set 42.5 lac tons as target for wheat procurement and empowered the provinces to set targets as per their requirements.
She said the prime minister also directed for a legislation regarding custody of orphan. According to Awan, the PM briefed the cabinet about the meeting with the Chinese President who thanked Pakistani people for standing shoulder to shoulder with China in the wake of ongoing Coronavirus outbreak and assured that the Chinese government would take proper care of Pakistani students in China.
The PM also congratulated foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi over the successful visit of UN secretary general. The cabinet expressed its concern over the violation of human rights in occupied Kashmir. She said that the cabinet also discussed the electoral reforms.
Moreover, the matter related to the appointment of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and a briefing on parliamentarians' inclusion in the Ehsaas programme were postponed. The discussion on National Education Plan 2020 was also postponed due to the absence of education minister in the cabinet meeting.
A three-member committee had been constituted by the premier for finalising the regulatory framework of pilgrims management policy. The members who were named for the committee include federal ministers Shireen Mazari, Ali Zaidi which will be headed by Federal Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Noorul Haq Qadri.
The appointment of Pakistan Mineral Development Corporation's managing director was approved, whereas, various agenda items regarding postings and an agreement between Pakistan and Turkey had also received approval.
The premier praised efforts of the government's economic team over six-month budget review report which stated positive financial indicators. "The Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) already has 2.8 million tonnes of wheat in its storage," she added.