Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar chaired a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee to review the stock position, pricing, and supply of essential commodities. According to Press Information Department, the meeting undertook a comprehensive assessment of national reserves, procurement frameworks, and local consumption and pricing trends. It was reported that domestic stocks of daily essentials are currently sufficient, ensuring stable local supply. The committee noted that the combination of domestic and imported wheat stocks would meet demand until the next harvest, though there was concern about rising wheat prices. The Deputy Prime Minister urged both federal and provincial governments to implement necessary measures to stabilize wheat prices, including increasing supply.

The committee also reviewed the sugar market, noting that domestic prices remain below the targeted retail price of Rs. 155 per kilogram, with surplus stock available until the next crushing season. Emphasizing the government’s commitment to national food security, Dar directed authorities to maintain strict oversight of market practices, issuing a call for zero tolerance towards hoarding and market speculation.

The meeting included the Minister for National Food Security & Research and Climate Change, SAPM Tariq Bajwa, the Secretary of National Food Security & Research and Commerce, chief secretaries of all provinces, and senior officials from relevant federal and provincial departments.