Govt lauded for banning exports of edible items

Islamabad : Founder of Islamabad Chamber for Small Traders and former President ICCI, Shahid Rasheed Butt on Sunday lauded the government for imposing a ban on exports of all edible items to ensure adequate food supply to the local market at affordable rates.

The decision is providing relief to millions of people facing countrywide lockdown due to coronavirus pandemic, he said.

Shahid Rasheed Butt said that prices of fruit, vegetable and other food items have come down substantially after the ban while such quality products can be seen in the markets which were never seen before.

Export quality fruit and vegetable are now in the reach of poor which is a great development, he said, adding that for this all the credit goes to the Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Some food items are still costly, for which imports should be allowed while an extension in the ban will force hoarders to bring their commodities to market to sell them on affordable rates, he demanded.

He also lauded reduction in fuel petroleum prices due to a global slump in demand amid the pandemic which has helped reduced transportation costs influencing prices.

The business leader said that price of meat can be reduced by fifty percent if its smuggling to the neighbouring countries is stopped.