Artificial shortage of flour won’t be allowed: Azma

LAHORE: Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari has said that the government will not allow an artificial shortage of flour to lead to an increase in its price.

She announced the ‘Nigehban Ramazan Package,’ is a unique programme for over 6.4 million deserving families in Punjab on behalf of Chief Minister Punjab. Verified data of recipients is collected from the BISP and Nadra, with the goal of providing rations to deserving families without the requirement for them to queue up. Addressing a press conference at Directorate General Public Relations Punjab, Azma Bukhari emphasised that the Ramazan package includes a separate allocation for delivery costs. She stated that 75% of identified beneficiaries have been verified, ensuring efficient distribution. An hourly updated dashboard has been created for ration distribution, with over 55,853 packages already distributed. This initiative began with a pilot project due to the massive target of reaching 6.4 million people. Furthermore, CM Punjab has declared a strict stance against hoarding during Ramazan. A helpline (080002345) has been established for registering complaints related to the Ramazan package and hoarding. The provincial minister highlighted that over 1.5 million families in Punjab have already received rations.

She urged the public not to believe on fake news circulating on social media and assured that any mistakes or omissions in the distribution process would be rectified.

Electric bikes initiative lauded

Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan Tuesday said approval of 20,000 electric bikes scheme by the chief minister is a bold step in controlling environmental pollution throughout the province. Presiding over a departmental meeting at Transport House, the minister said the best possible results will come from the early completion of the 657 eco-friendly urban bus project. Transport Secretary Dr Javed Ahmed Qazi briefed the minister on the ongoing schemes and projects and said a system of eco-friendly buses is being run for the promotion of e-technology.