Tarin directs to review entire supply chain from farmer to end-consumer

The finance minister urged provinces to chalk out a firm plan for monitoring of prices

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin on Monday directed to review the entire supply chain from farmer to end-consumer for basic commodities to ensure that farmer is paid well and consumer gets the maximum relief.

He gave these directions, while chairing a meeting of the National Price Monitoring Committee in Islamabad on Monday.

The Finance Minister also urged provinces to chalk out a firm plan for monitoring of prices and availability of stock of basic commodities at Ramadan Saasta Bazaars to facilitate general public in Eid shopping which largely takes place during the last week of Ramadan. He further directed to keep the prices of basic commodities in check during the Eid holidays.

Managing Director Utility Stores Corporation updated the NPMC that all basic commodities are well-stocked across the chain of USC outlets including wheat flour, sugar, ghee and pulses at subsidized prices. He requested the general public to visit Utility Stores outlets during morning hours to avoid large queues.

The Finance Minister stressed the need to ensure availability of basic commodities at USCs throughout the country and urged people to benefit from the Mobile Utility Stores facility amid COVID-19 pandemic.

Secretary Finance briefed the Committee about the decline in weekly SPI by 0.40 percent whereas prices of 13 items recorded a decline and 26 items remained stable.

Price of essential commodities including tomatoes, onions, sugar, potatoes and poultry were reduced during the last week.

Meanwhile, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin has said government is committed to implement economic reforms to achieve macro-economic stability with the help of development partners.

Talking to British High Commissioner to Pakistan Dr. Christian Turner who called on him in Islamabad today, he underlined various measures taken by the government to stimulate economic recovery during the testing times of Covid-19 pandemic.

Shaukat Tarin commended Pakistani diaspora abroad for sending in record remittances which enhanced the foreign exchange reserves and strengthened Pak-Rupee.

The Finance Minister also thanked the High Commissioner for the support extended by the British government and its people for the people of Pakistan during the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.

Christian Turner assured the Finance Minister of the full support of the British government and its people to the government and people of Pakistan.