PM visits utility store, launches government’s relief package

ISLAMABAD (92 News) – Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan paid a visit to an outlet of Utility Stores on Wednesday and launched the government’s relief package

Utility Store Corporation (USC) Chairman Zulqiurnain Ali Khan and Managing Director Umer Lodhi briefed the premier regarding the Relief Package of worth 7 billion rupees, stock position of essential commodities and number of Utility Stores outlets throughout Pakistan. They said all basic food items, including flour, ghee, sugar, cooking oil, rice, and pulses are available on USC outlets at the prices lower than the open market.

PM vows to improve utility stores for middle class

Imran Khan visited Utility Stores to ensure that common people are getting essential kitchen items on subsidized rates. He vowed to further improve utility stores for the middle class during a visit to one in the Islamabad. He mentioned that the government’s relief package of Rs7 billion was aimed at providing basic food items and commodities to salaried and low and middle income groups at subsidized rates through the country’s 4000 outlets of the Utility Stores Corporation (USC).

20KG bag of flour for RS800

The premier instructed to sell a 20 kilogrammes bag of flour for 800 rupees instead of 808 rupees for giving relief to the people. He said the relief package has been launched to provide relief to the common people as a respite in tough times.

Govt to introduce ration card for poor

The prime minister said that the government will soon announce a Ration Card scheme as well for the poor people, who would be able to get worth Rs3000 basic commodities per month from the Utility Stores outlets.

Role of middlemen is main reasons behind inflation

To a question, Imran Khan said that one of main reasons behind inflation and high prices was the role of middlemen who were making profits at the cost of consumers and growers. He noted that 2019 was the year of stabilisation and 2020 would be that of growth and employment opportunities. “More big projects were coming soon as well as industrialisation and housing plans. “We are injecting a lot of money into stores,” he added. Customers, present in the store, thanked PM Khan for the relief package to facilitate the common citizens. Later, speaking to the journalists, Special Assistant on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan said USC would ensure delivery of basic items at affordable prices to the poorest section of society. The USC managing director said that provision of food items on subsidized rates will be continuing from January to Ramadan according to the Relief Package.