LAHORE: The Punjab government has put forward new proposals to amend the rules and terms of reference for the Provincial Food Supplies Committee, with the aim of ensuring food security during emergencies.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the proposals were discussed at a recent meeting chaired by Secretary Food Safety and Consumer Protection, Dr. Kiran Khurshid, under the directives of the Punjab chief minister. Dr. Khurshid stated that recommendations for expanding the committee’s scope and amending its terms of reference will soon be submitted to the Cabinet Secretary for approval. Additionally, the proposed amendments have been forwarded to the Home Department for consideration.

The proposals include timely measures to assess food grain requirements, set strategic food reserves at both provincial and regional levels, and maintain minimum safe stocks in anticipation of emergencies. Recommendations also include improving storage and distribution mechanisms to meet emergency demands, protecting reserves against radiation and climate-related hazards, and establishing a legal framework for procurement and supply operations.

Special measures were suggested to safeguard food storage facilities, warehouses, and distribution systems. The meeting emphasized coordinated planning to fulfill the food requirements of both the civilian population and the armed forces during emergencies. Dr. Khurshid mentioned the proposal to include representatives from various departments and organizations such as the Food Department, Finance Department, armed forces, Pakistan Railways, Transport Department, National Logistics Corporation, and Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation in the committee.

The proposed amendments aim to ensure the availability, protection, transportation, and timely supply of food grains during crises. The participants of the meeting expressed their commitment to enhancing the transparency and efficiency of food grain storage and distribution systems.

The Provincial Food Supplies Committee and its terms of reference were initially established and approved by the Cabinet Division on September 2, 2020.