Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar chaired a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Saturday to review the stock position, pricing, and supply of essential commodities. The meeting conducted a comprehensive review of national reserves, procurement frameworks, and local consumption and price trends.
It was apprised that domestic stocks of daily essentials remain adequate, offering stability for local supply. The committee was briefed that for wheat, domestic stocks along with imported wheat were sufficient until the next harvest.
However, the Deputy Prime Minister expressed concern over the trend of rising wheat prices and directed federal and provincial governments to take all necessary measures, including an increase in supply, to stabilize prices. Regarding sugar, the committee was informed that the price in the domestic market was well below the targeted retail price of Rs155 per kg, with surplus stock available until the next crushing season.
Dar emphasized that safeguarding national food security and ensuring the availability of essential items at reasonable prices is the government's priority. He directed authorities to maintain vigilance over market networks, stating that all organizations must show zero tolerance towards hoarding or market speculation.
The meeting was attended by the ministers for National Food Security & Research and Climate Change, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) Tariq Bajwa, relevant secretaries, and provincial chief secretaries. Meanwhile, a delegation of the Founders Group of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Lahore.
Discussions focused on the country's economic situation, trade promotion, and industrial challenges. The Prime Minister highlighted the government's collaboration with the private sector to foster a conducive business environment.
The delegation lauded the government's investor-friendly policies and recalled Shehbaz Sharif's past services as the Chamber's president. Federal ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar, Attaullah Tarar, and Ali Pervaiz Malik were also present during the high-level interactions.
Separately, Punjab Assembly Deputy Speaker Malik Zaheer Iqbal Channar and Member of National Assembly (MNA) Malik Munir Iqbal Channar met the Prime Minister to discuss constituency affairs and public issues, ensuring that local governance remains aligned with federal economic objectives.