Govt committed to take action against sugar, flour mafia: Faraz

(Karachi) Information Minister Shibli Faraz has said that the government is committed to bring those to task that made undue profit from people by selling sugar and flour on high prices.

Addressing a media briefing after the cabinet meeting in Islamabad on Tuesday, he said the cabinet decided that recommendations of the committee on actions be carried out within the stipulated timelines.

He maintained the process of determining the prices of sugar will be visible in next three months. "This will result in provision of the commodity to people at reasonable rates," he added.

The minister highlighted that the cabinet expressed concern on rising price of flour and a committee under Advisor to PM Hafeez Shaikh will monitor and supervise the situation to streamline the process and make it transparent.

Faraz mentioned that the PM directed to determine the demand and supply of flour on scientific basis. He said, "27 million tons of flour is our requirement with availability of 25 million tons. The Punjab government has been directed to release 900.000 tons of wheat from its stores to overcome the shortage of commodity."

He said steps are being taken to stop smuggling of wheat as well as bringing transparency in its availability.

He stated the federal cabinet discussed and appreciated the performance of Ministry of Education for introducing uniform curriculum in the country. He elaborated that the cabinet discussed the use of online education by utilizing modern technologies in the post-coronavirus environment.

He said Planning Minister Asad Umar and Special Assistant on Health Dr. Zafar Mirza gave a detailed briefing to the meeting on prevalent COVID-19 situation.

Senator Shibli Faraz said in a short span of time, the laboratories in the country for corona testing have reached to 129 from two. He said, "Our testing capacity has increased to 50,000 tests daily from initial 472."

The Minister said 770 hospitals in the country are catering to the needs of coronavirus patients. He said the number of oxygenated beds available in the country is 8886, of which 2671 are occupied. He said 2150 more beds will be available by next month.