Commerce Minister Jam Kamal has proposed a comprehensive ban on the export of several essential commodities, including livestock, sugar, wheat, onion, banana, and rice, to address price volatility in Pakistan.
The suggestion was put forward during a meeting of the Price Control Coordination Committee, chaired by Interior Minister Syed Mohsin Naqvi earlier this week. The committee, under the auspices of the Interior Ministry, deliberated on measures to stabilize prices and ensure adequate supplies during the upcoming Ramadan season.
Key highlights of the meeting included discussions on the weekly monitoring of the Ramadan package distribution, price trends, and inspection protocols. The committee received a briefing on the Sensitive Price Index (SPI), which monitors fluctuations in prices of 51 essential items across 17 cities, revealing notable increases in items such as tomatoes and bananas.
The Ministry of National Food Security and Research provided reassurance regarding sufficient stocks of wheat and sugar for the upcoming season. In response to concerns over escalating prices, Commerce Minister Kamal advocated for a ban on the export of critical commodities and announced the introduction of a Ramadan package to be distributed through utility stores.
Provincial representatives shared updates on the availability and pricing of locally produced goods. The Agriculture Secretary of Punjab reported ample supplies of onions, tomatoes, and potatoes, particularly highlighting the abundance of potatoes in Sahiwal and Okara districts. Meanwhile, onions and tomatoes predominantly originate from Sindh, with a daily influx of 200 trucks to meet demand.
The Industry Secretary disclosed the implementation of a Ramadan package targeting 6.9 million households, encompassing 3.9 million food hampers and the establishment of 36 Model Bazars and 15 Ramadan Bazars.
Chief Secretary Sindh announced a substantial allocation of Rs. 22 billion to support 4.4 million households, providing financial assistance of Rs. 5,000 per family. Additionally, considerations are underway at the federal level to divert onion shipments intended for export to alleviate domestic shortages.
Interior Minister Naqvi commended the collaborative efforts of stakeholders and stressed the importance of sustained cooperation to effectively manage prices and ensure accessibility to essential commodities for all segments of society.
