Key Takeaways
- Federal Minister Ahad Cheema assured adequate wheat and fuel supplies.
- Strict action will be taken against hoarding and profiteering.
- Provincial chief secretaries committed to maintaining market stability.
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs, Ahad Cheema, has pledged that the government will ensure sufficient supplies of wheat and petroleum products across Pakistan. This assurance came during a high-level meeting where the minister addressed concerns over potential shortages and emphasized the need for vigilance against hoarding and market manipulation.
The meeting reviewed the current demand and supply situation of wheat in various provinces, with chief secretaries reporting that their respective regions were currently experiencing normal conditions but might require additional wheat to meet future needs. Minister Cheema highlighted that the federal government would try its best to fulfill provincial requirements from existing stocks, prioritizing both public welfare and farmer interests.
In addition to addressing wheat management, the meeting also focused on petroleum products, particularly fuel supplies. The minister directed all relevant authorities to maintain strict vigilance against hoarding by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and petrol pumps. He assured that Pakistan had sufficient stock of petroleum products and reiterated that the government would not allow any OMC or petrol pump to create artificial shortages for profiteering.
Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister for National Food Security, informed the meeting that PASSCO would provide full support in ensuring smooth wheat management. He also stressed the importance of maintaining close coordination among stakeholders to ensure timely decisions and uninterrupted availability of essential commodities.
The participants agreed on the need for immediate action against OMCs and petrol pumps found involved in hoarding fuel or attempting to exploit regional situations for undue profiteering. Provincial chief secretaries assured that their administrations would work closely with designated officials from OGRA to curb such activities and ensure uninterrupted fuel supplies across the country.
Minister Cheema concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to maintaining food security, market stability, and protecting farmers’ interests. He emphasized that every decision regarding wheat management would be taken keeping in view domestic production, market conditions, and the welfare of local farmers.
The meeting underscored the importance of continuous monitoring and coordination among all stakeholders to ensure timely decisions are made for the benefit of the public. The government’s commitment to preventing artificial shortages through strict action against hoarding and profiteering was reiterated, ensuring that both wheat and fuel supplies remain adequate across Pakistan.
The federal government would try its level best to fulfill the wheat requirements of the provinces from PASSCO stocks.
Ahad Cheema, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs
He made it clear that the government would not allow any OMC or petrol pump to create an artificial shortage for profiteering.
Ahad Cheema, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs
