ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet which is scheduled to meet on Tuesday (Nov 10) will discuss the prevalent economic situation, Covid-19 impact, political situation, and the expected US foreign policy change in South Asia, especially towards Afghanistan after election of Joe Biden as President.
To be presided over by Prime Minister Imran Khan, the cabinet is expected to approve Minimum Support Price (MSP) of wheat crop 2020-21. The ECC has approved MSP of wheat at Rs 1,650/40-kg which is far less than Sindh which approved Rs 2,000/40-kg. At least two farmers who protested in Lahore last week have lost their lives due to alleged baton charge and use of chemical mixed water by the police.
On November 3, 2020, during discussion on MSP of wheat it was pointed out that government of Sindh had announced Rs 2,000 per 40-kg as MSP, which was on the higher side. A view was expressed that the subsidy on fertilizer and other weedicide/fungicide should be built in the MSP to be announced by the federal government. Members were of the view that MSP should be based on cost of production and should strike a balance between fair compensation to the farmers vis-à-vis keeping the wheat/Atta prices at an affordable level for the poor. A view was expressed that impact of other measures related to subsidy on weedicide, pesticides and fertilizers etc will not be that strong as of a rational MSP.
Adviser to the PM on Finance and Revenue opined that legally the fixation of MSP is federal domain and Sindh Government MSP fixation in this regard can be taken as a suggestive figure only. He also highlighted that MSP needs to be carefully fixed because it can swing the Atta prices instantly. He also talked to Chief Minister Sindh, on this issue and is expected to brief the cabinet on the outcome of his chat with Chief Minister Sindh. It is expected that Sindh will review MSP of wheat as a result of interaction with Finance Advisor.
The Cabinet will also be briefed on inflation and arrival and distribution of imported wheat and sugar amongst the provinces. Prime Minister Special Assistant on Revenue, Dr Waqar Masood, will give a detailed presentation to the Cabinet on subsidy and grants. He would also suggest future line of action in this regard.
The sources said, Minister for Foreign Affairs, will brief the Cabinet about possibilities of cooperation between Pakistan and United States in the light of reports received from Pakistan's ambassador to US. Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and several cabinet members have already congratulated Biden on being elected President. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had interacted with him as Foreign Minister during the PPP tenure.
Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Asad Umar, will brief the Cabinet about Covid-19 situation and measures taken to minimise its spread. The positivity was on the rise and all critical indicators show that there could be a resurgence of the virus. Pakistan's health system could face severe pressure unless robust preventive measures are implemented.
The Cabinet will also discuss country's political situation with special reference to activities of Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), Gilgit Baltistan elections and interaction with some parties of PDM.
Other agenda items of Cabinet meeting will be as follows: (i) request to grant permission to investigate U/S 188 CrPC in cases FIR No.36/2010 & FIR No 40/2020 of FIA CCC, Lahore; (ii) nomination of Directors on the Board of Saindak Metals Limited; (iii) ratification of the decisions taken by the ECC on October 28, 2020;(iv) ratification of the decisions taken by the Cabinet Committee on Energy (CCoE) on October 29, 2020 and; (v) nominations for the re-constitution of Pharmacy Council of Pakistan (PCP).
Copyright Business Recorder, 2020
Comments
Comments are closed.