Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday termed smuggling a curse for national economy and said strict action is inevitable against smugglers, hoarders and profiteers to eliminate such ills from the society.
Chairing a meeting to control smuggling, crackdown on hoarders and eliminating locust attacks on crops, the prime minister said smuggling and hoarding results in inflation which puts direct financial burden on general public and poor. The prime minister emphasized the role of intelligence agencies in checking smuggling and hoarding and called for appointment of honest and dutiful officers at checkpoints. He also stressed effective coordination among the provinces with monitoring on daily basis and directed to ensure smooth working without any administrative hurdle. The prime minister stressed comprehensive strategy to ensure provision of wheat and flour to consumers. The meeting discussed ongoing emergency regarding the attacks of locust swarms on crops and the steps taken so far to control including spray of pesticides through planes and other machines. Purpose-built spray aircraft and machinery has already been imported from China, however more equipment is required which was delayed due to coronavirus lockdown, the meeting was informed. Prime Minister Imran Khan termed locusts another big problem for the country and directed availability of funds for its elimination.
In a meeting with Federal Minister for Religious Affairs Noorul Haq Qadri, Prime Minister Imran Khan directed the relevant authorities for devising a safety plan against coronavirus during the month of Ramazan after holding consultations with religious scholars. The consultative meeting of President Dr Arif Alvi with ulema to be held on Saturday came under discussion. The prime minister is also due to hold a meeting with the clerics next week.
Separately, Prime Minister Imran Khan sought recommendations from the Special Committee on Agricultural Products for providing special relief to agriculture sector in the wake of crisis of Covid-19. In a meeting with Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser, also the chairperson of 31-member special committee, the prime minister said the government is considering relief for agriculture sector in budget besides introduction of effective policies. He said parliament is representative of the people’s aspirations and it is important to keep the institution functional even during the situation of coronavirus.
A delegation of Tetra Pak Pakistan called on Prime Minister Imran Khan here on Friday and presented him a cheque of Rs 20 million for the PM’s Corona Relief Fund. The delegation comprised Sonia Kiyani, Regional Communication Director and Tahir Hafeez, Cluster Leader Supply Chain Greater Middle East and Africa. Sweden’s Ambassador to Pakistan Ingrid Johansson was also present on the occasion. Tahir Hafeez also presented a cheque of Rs 1 million from his own pocket. The prime minister lauded the spirit and contribution of Tetra Pak.
