- -Says those behind such activities to be dealt with an iron hand
ISLAMABAD, April 17: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday issued directives for identifying elements involved in profiteering, smuggling and hoarding of goods so they are handed the harshest punishments as per law to discourage such activities in the country.
Presiding over a meeting to review measures to curb smuggling and hoarding of essential items, he noted that smuggling is an ulcer playing havoc with the national economy. He ordered that those behind such activities be dealt with an iron hand.
The meeting was attended by Interior Minister Brig (Retd) Ijaz Shah, Minister for National Food Security Syed Fakhar Imam, Planning ministerAsadUmer, Minister for Economic Affairs KhusroBakhtiar, Finance Adviser Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, PM’s Special Assistant on Information and Broadcasting DrFirdousAshiqAwan, Chairman National Disaster Management Authority General Muhammad Afzal and senior officials.
The prime minister emphasized the role of intelligence agencies in checking smuggling and hoarding and called for appointment of honest and dutiful officers at checkpoints. He also stressed effective coordination among the provinces with monitoring on daily basis and directed to ensure smooth working without any administrative hurdle.
The participants were briefed about target of wheat procurement for next year and provision of ‘bardana’ (gunny bags) for farmers. KhusroBakhtiar told the meeting that Punjab government and Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) took timely steps for wheat procurement and other provinces needed to follow the suit.
He said that last year, four million ton wheat was procured with this year’s target as 8.2 million ton, however mentioned some difficulties in this regard following the recent rains. The Prime Minister stressed comprehensive strategy to ensure provision of wheat and flour to consumers.
The meeting discussed ongoing emergency regarding the attacks of locust swarms on crops and the steps taken so far to control including spray of pesticides through planes and other machines.
Purpose-built spray aircraft and machinery has already been imported from China, however more equipment is required which was delayed due to coronavirus lockdown, the meeting was informed. Prime Minister Imran Khan termed locusts another big problem for the country and directed availability of funds for its elimination. -DNA
