Negligence in price control not to be tolerated: PM
1. Premier directs authorities to take solid steps to control price of sugar, take stern action against those involved in hoarding
PM Shehbaz Vows Affordable Essential Goods, Launches Historic Ramazan Relief Package
LAHORE/PESHAWAR – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing essential items at affordable prices, warning that negligence in this regard would not be tolerated.
Chairing a meeting on sugar supply and price control, the premier highlighted the government’s recent crackdown on sugar smuggling, which had yielded positive results. He directed authorities to take decisive steps to regulate sugar prices and implement strict measures against hoarders.
“The federal and provincial governments must work together to ensure essential commodities remain accessible to the common man at reasonable rates,” he emphasized, adding that during the holy month of Ramazan, any lapse in price control would be unacceptable.
The meeting reviewed the country's sugar production and available stock, with officials confirming that sufficient reserves were in place. Authorities reported that fair price shops had been established at the provincial level to provide sugar at lower rates, while efforts were underway to curb smuggling completely.
Chief secretaries assured the prime minister that strict action would be taken against illegal hoarding, with district administrations actively monitoring the situation.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, and other senior officials. Chief secretaries of all provinces joined via video link.
Historic Ramazan Relief Package Lauded Nationwide
Meanwhile, the government’s Rs20 billion Ramazan relief package has received widespread praise, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), where citizens from all walks of life have welcomed the unprecedented financial support.
The largest-ever Ramazan relief package aims to assist 4 million deserving families, benefiting nearly 20 million people across the country, including those in KP. This year’s initiative marks a 186% increase from last year’s Rs7 billion allocation.
Economists, civil society members, and political analysts have commended the relief effort, but the most vocal support has come from low-income groups, including workers, farmers, and daily wage earners.
Gratitude from Beneficiaries
Riaz Khan, a retired schoolteacher, hailed the prime minister’s empathy and commitment to the underprivileged.
“This massive relief package will provide much-needed assistance to poor families. It is heartening to see the government prioritizing the welfare of ordinary citizens,” he said.
The relief package, which will be distributed within the first ten days of Ramazan, provides Rs5,000 per family, disbursed through digital wallets. This financial support is expected to significantly ease the burden on daily wage workers, small business owners, and struggling households amid rising inflation.
Bilal Khan, a local fruit vendor, expressed his gratitude, saying:
“The Ramazan relief package will make a huge difference for people like me. It will help us buy essentials for our families and observe the holy month with peace of mind.”
Farmers and small-scale vendors, including Misal Khan, a farmer; Lateef Shah, a hairdresser; and Shahjehan, a bread maker, also extended their thanks to the prime minister, stating that the package would help them meet their daily needs during Ramazan.
Symbol of National Unity
The initiative has been widely regarded as a symbol of solidarity with the masses, reinforcing the government’s commitment to alleviating economic hardship. Many believe this move will foster a sense of national unity, particularly in challenging economic times.
As Ramazan begins, the relief package stands as a beacon of hope for millions, reaffirming the government’s focus on supporting the most vulnerable and ensuring economic stability for struggling families.
People across KP and the rest of the country have expressed deep appreciation for this timely and generous initiative, underscoring its impact on improving lives during the holy month.
