PM’s relief package thru utility stores okayed with revised cost, subsidy

By Rana Ghulam Qadir

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed to reduce the prices of basic commodities at utility stores. The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet on Thursday approved the continuation of Prime Minister’s Relief Package for the fiscal year 2024-25 through the Utility Stores Corporation with revised price and subsidy. It would now be submitted to the federal government for final approval.

According to sources, under the PM’s relief package, the monthly subsidy per household would increase by Rs916. Under the new package, the subsidy on pulses and rice at utility stores would increase up to 300 percent. On ghee, subsidy would be increased from Rs70 to Rs100, and on sugar it would increase from Rs46 to Rs50. A subsidy of Rs85 per kg would be provided on wheat flour.Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Thursday directed the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Provincial Disaster Management Authorities (PDMAs) and other relevant agencies to remain on high alert to address the potential severe flooding in areas near the Chenab River and urban flooding caused by heavy rains in Punjab.

According to a statement from the PM media office, the prime minister indicated that he was personally monitoring the anticipated heavy monsoon spell until August 25. He had directed the NDMA, PDMAs, rescue and relief agencies, civil defence and district administrations to be prepared to protect residents in the Chenab River catchment area and cities at risk of flooding due to heavy rains. The prime minister directed the relevant authorities to ensure preparations for evacuation and rescue of people, as well as for drainage, water, medicines, tents and other relief items in any emergency, besides safeguarding the public. He directed them to keep the public informed about the anticipated flooding in vulnerable areas and to take precautionary measures to prevent expected floods around canals, nullahs and rivers. He also instructed that citizens be made aware of NDMA’s Disaster Alert application to monitor the situation at all times.

Meanwhile, the prime minister lauded the armed forces for their successful operation in Kurram District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, which led to the death of seven Khawarij terrorists besides the arrest of five others. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Media Office, Shehbaz said that the armed forces had worked tirelessly round the clock to rid the country of the Khawarij terrorist threat. He said the entire nation, including himself, had paid tribute to the brave officers and soldiers of the Pakistan Army, who had carried out their duties selflessly, risking their lives for the integrity of Pakistan. Shehbaz said the entire nation stands by the Pakistan Army in its determination to rid the country of the menace of terrorism.