Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has directed the Ministry of Industries and Production to devise a comprehensive plan for the protection of poor and marginalised segments of society.

He gave the directions while chairing a meeting to review the work of Utility Stores Corporation (USC) in line with the prime minister’s relief package to support the low-income groups through subsidized groceries, according to a press release received by WealthPK.

He said, “the government is fully committed to protecting the poor from the current inflation bout. We will ensure that essential groceries reach out to the poor through the utility stores.”

The meeting was also attended by the Federal Minister for Industries and Production Makhdoom Syed Murtaza Mehmood; Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Finance, Tariq Bajwa; SAPM on Revenue, Tariq Pasha; Secretary Finance; Secretary Industries and Production; Managing Director Utility Stores Corporation and other senior officials.

Dar was told about the subsidy being provided on five essential items namely pulses, flour, sugar, rice and cooking oil under the relief package, said the press release.

The presser stated that he was also informed about the high quality of the aforementioned items being provided in the utility stores across the country.

Later the Finance Minister also held a meeting with the Federal Minister for Communications Asad Mehmood here at the Finance Division, said the press release.

This later meeting was also attended by the SAPM on Finance, Tariq Bajwa; SAPM on Revenue, Tariq Pasha; Secretary Finance; Secretary Communications; Chairman NHA; IG Motorways and other senior officers, stated the press release.

Asad Mehmood apprised the finance minister of the financial matters related to different organizations of the Communications Ministry, including Motorways Police, Pakistan Post and National Highways Authority.

The press release stated that Asad Mehmood told the finance minister about the contributions of these organizations to the progress and development of the country.

The finance minister, while acknowledging the contributions of the Ministry of Communications and its subsidiary organizations to the economic stability and progress of the country, said that the “present government is mindful of the fact that a well-integrated communications network is very essential for socio-economic development and financial stability of the country.” 

He further directed the communications minister to address and resolve the issues of the organizations of Communication Ministry for their better performance and contribution to the progress and development of Pakistan.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk