ISLAMABAD: After Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced on Tuesday free wheat flour to the poor as part of the ‘Ramadan Package’, the government has decided to give relief to the public of the inflation-hit country – weeks before the arrival of the holy month.
According to reports, the month of fasting may begin on March 23 or 24.
Prime Minister Shehbaz while presiding over a review meeting in Islamabad said that in the first phase of the special Ramadan package, free flour will be provided to the poor people of Punjab.
He also instructed the concerned authorities to quickly develop a policy to provide free flour to poor families under the package.
He said that the federal government would provide all-out support to the provinces to provide relief to the people on the model of Punjab under the Ramadan package.
The package is the first such package aimed at helping the socially disadvantaged section of the society.
Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman and Finance Minister Mujahid Sherdil briefed the Prime Minister about the Ramadan package. Punjab caretaker chief minister Mohsin Raza Naqvi, food secretary and other senior officials attended the meeting.
Continuous availability of edibles
Prime Minister Shehbaz on February 13 directed the authorities to ensure continuous availability of edibles in the country and take action against hoarders.
He also directed to set up special committees to improve supply chain and monitor prices of vital commodities. According to him, there is no shortage of the most necessary things in the country, including wheat.
The Prime Minister has asked the provinces and administrative units to submit an important plan for ‘Sasta Ramadan bazaars’ and supply of essential items at low prices during the holy month of fasting in the next review session.
According to him, the administration should use technology that guarantees stability of rates in Ramadan bazaars.
