ISLAMABAD: Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz says the country has sufficient stock of wheat and sugar, and there is no issue of demand and supply in the products.  

He was briefing the media after the federal cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad today (Tuesday).

The Minister said wheat is being supplied to the flour mills in Punjab, and the provincial government is providing 16 billion rupees subsidy on the product. He, however, said the private and public sectors have been directed to import wheat to meet the deficit of 1.5 million ton wheat.

The Minister said the district administration has been directed to take strict action against hoarders of wheat and sugar.

Senator Shibli Faraz said the cabinet has approved constitution of a commission to enquire into the causes of shortage of petrol last month. He said the commission will give recommendations to ensure that such a situation does not develop in future.

The Minister said the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction over the encouraging indicators about Naya Pakistan Housing Scheme. He said a boost to construction sector will have a positive impact on overall economy.

He said the matter about payment of outstanding dues of media houses will be resolved immediately after the Eid.

The Minister said the poor sewerage system in Karachi has been exposed in the recent rains, which caused serious problems for the residents of the city. He regretted that Sindh Government has not improved infrastructure in the city. The Minister assured that the federal government will perform its role in the matter to mitigate sufferings of the people of Karachi.

About Covid-19 situation, Shibli Faraz said the trend of the Coronavirus cases has considerably declined due to the government's effective smart lockdown policy.

He, however, warned that carelessness during Eid-ul Azha will again raise Coronavirus cases. He urged people to strictly follow SOPs against Covid-19.