PM directs opening of 1,000 new utility stores

Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that provision of daily necessities especially food items to the people at affordable prices at their doorsteps is one of the top most priorities of the government.
This was stated by him during a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhry Pervez Ellahi and Pakistan Muslim League President Chaudhry Shujat Hussain at PM’s House this morning.
Chaudhry Pervez Ehalhi informed the prime minister that the Ministry of Industries is working on a plan on fast track basis for increasing the number of Utility Stores and extending the network to Union Council level which would prove to be yet another social security network for the people.
The prime minister directed the Ministry of Industries to open 1000 new outlets of Utility Stores in far flung and remote areas of the country.
The Utility Stores Corporation, he added, has successfully demonstrated that it can provide relief to the low income groups by providing basic necessities on demand at affordable prices.
The prime minister appreciated the efforts of Chaudhry Pervez Ellahi in ensuring provision of ample supplies of daily necessities in Utility Stores during the Holy Month of Ramdan. He expressed satisfaction that the subsidy of Rs 4 billion provided to utility stores has been used judiciously to provide relief to the people.
The prime minister further said that directions have also been issued to Benzair Income Support Programme (BISP) for evolving a system for provision of 10% discount at Utility Stores to the Benazir Debit Card holders.
The prime minister urged the media to play its role in identifying elements that hoard essential items and thus fuel prices artificially.
Chaudhry Shujat Hussain appreciated the efforts of the government’s in maintaining law and order and peace and harmony in the country during the Eid-ul-Fitar enabling people to celebrate it with traditional fervor.