PM bans sugar export, stresses simplified banking system

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ISLAMABAD
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has banned the export of sugar to stabilise the stock and price of the commodity in the country.
In a tweet on Monday, the prime minister also ordered strict measures against the smuggling of sugar. He said that it is important to first meet the needs of the people and stabilise the price of sugar in the country.
He ordered strict action against hoarders and profiteers who are creating an artificial shortage of sugar. The prime minister also directed the agencies concerned to keep him abreast of the effective implementation of his orders. He warned that in case of negligence, the relevant officers and staff would be held responsible.
The prices of various commodities, including flour, ghee and edibles, have been on the rise in the country as well as globally. Pakistan’s inflation also rose to a two-year high of 13.37 percent in April compared to the same month last year, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics said on May 1. Inflation accelerated from 12.7 percent year-on-year in March, marking a 1.61 percent month-on-month rise in April.
Separately, Prime Minister Sharif stressed for simplifying the process of the banking system and making it easier in order to facilitate consumers.
The prime minister stated this in a meeting with Finance Minister Miftah Ismail, which was also attended by President Habib Bank Muhammad Aurangzeb, Chief Secretary Punjab, and other senior officials.
Sharif directed to formulate a comprehensive strategy to effectively resolve the economic problems of the people. He also ordered special arrangements to ensure the supply of food items to the general public at cheaper rates.