Maryam institutes new mechanism for price control

LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has set up a new institution to ensure price control in the province.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a special meeting in which a detailed briefing was given about the mechanism for ensuring price control and other issues. She directed the special monitoring unit to be fully operational in six months and approved the new price control mechanism as per international standards. The proposals to ensure production of wheat, other commodities and their availability along with fixing their prices were also reviewed in the meeting.

The CM directed to undertake necessary measures to increase the cultivation of sunflower, soybeans and canola to reduce dependence on imported palm oil along with enhancing local production to meet the needs of tomatoes, onions and other commodities in every city. It was decided to issue ‘forecast bulletins’ to stabilize market prices and utilize artificial intelligence for price control under SMU.

It was principally decided to establish the ‘Agri Monitoring Fund’ in Punjab along with taking measures to connect farmers directly with buyers. The proposal to register traders doing business in markets was reviewed. CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif directed to expedite nomination of PAMRA Board and Market Committee Chairman. She was given a detailed briefing on the price control mechanism. The briefing said that the reason for increase in the price of ghee and edible oil is due to a price hike of palm oil in the global market. With modern technology, the crop yield of wheat and other commodities will be determined in advance. Due to non-purchase of wheat, positive and fruitful results for the country’s economy and its people came to surface, it added.

The CM directed to keep a vigilant eye on the fluctuation of wheat, flour prices and market dynamics. She directed that officers should be appointed in SMU purely on merit. She said that the interests of the common man as well as farmers and businessmen would be safeguarded, adding that decisions will be made keeping in view the interests of farmers and people of Punjab.

Meanwhile, Maryam Nawaz Sharif became the voice of an artist without arms and legs, handed over an appointment letter to sketch artist Muhammad Azeem. He will perform duties as a teacher at the Ahamra Academy of Performing and Visual Art. Maryam Nawaz had promised to give employment to differently-abled person Muhammad Azeem during the ‘Himmat Card’ ceremony. Muhammad Azeem is an expert in pencil sketching. On her direction, an electric wheelchair has been provided to him. The CM also directed construction of a road to Muhammad Azeem’s house.