Minister reviews progress on ration distribution

LAHORE:Punjab Health Minister Dr Yasmin Rashid reviewed the progress on ration distribution among the deserving families in a meeting with welfare organisations at the Deputy Commissioner’s Office here Tuesday.

The meeting was attended by MPA Sadia Suhail, Dr Hussain Jaffery, Adnan Jamil, Majid Ghauri, representatives of Akhuwat, Al Khidmat Foundation, Sundas Foundation, Al Ihsan Welfare Foundation MRF and other organisations working on support to the marginalised sections of society.

The Coordination Committee apprised the minister of the steps taken to ensure supply of essentials and ration to the daily wage earners, labourers and marginalised sections of society. The minister said, “It is the collective duty of the state as well as civil society to take care of the marginalised and under-privileged sections of society. Whereas the government is doing its best to provide maximum possible treatment to patients, the philanthropists must come forward at this moment of trial to support the people who are suffering due to a halt in the economic activities.”

The minister said, “The nation needs unity to overcome the Corona Pandemic. I appreciate the role of doctors, media, lawyers and welfare organisations in the battle against Coronavirus. The statistics of the last few days indicate we cannot afford complacency and we all will have to adopt social distancing to stop the spread of the virus.”

prices: Minister for Industries and Trade Mian Aslam Iqbal chaired Task Force for Price Control meeting at CM office here on Tuesday in which various recommendations relating to prices of essential items across the province, their availability and setting up Ramazan Bazaars came under review.

Proposals with regard to providing targeted subsidy instead of setting up Ramazan Bazaars during current year were also considered. However, its final decision will be taken by the Punjab Cabinet.

Aslam Iqbal while presiding over a meeting took notice of selling of flour, sugar, ghee and pulses at high prices in Lahore and few other districts. He directed the administration to act proactively and vigilantly during prevailing plight and should also awake from their slumber. He urged them that it is high time to go out in the field in order to extend maximum help as well as assistance to the coronavirus affectees and the deserving people instead of whiling away by sitting aimlessly in their offices.

The minister lamented over unavailability of flour in Multan and selling of 20 kg flour bag at Rs 1050/- as it puts a question mark on the performance of administration. He said instead of relying on selling flour on trucks, its availability should be ensured in the shops. He termed it doing cruelty on the weak and impoverished segment for selling essential items not only at high prices but also beyond fixed rates. PTI government will not allow this repression to occur, he vowed.

He warned hoarders and illegal profiteers to timely reform themselves. Aslam Iqbal maintained that online delivery service has started in 28 districts and will soon resume in remaining districts.