Punjab Approves Rs. 10 Billion Subsidy for Affordable Flour

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has expressed her frustration over the soaring flour prices, prompting her to convene an urgent video conference. In response to the escalating issue, the provincial administration has announced a Rs10 billion subsidy to maintain affordable flour prices. The decision includes raising the official wheat quota for flour mills and raising the wheat supply rate to Rs3,800 per maund.

Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the inflationary burden on the people of Punjab is a matter of great concern. The chief minister assured the population that all available resources would be utilized to distribute subsidized flour, ensuring a continuous supply of affordable bread. The surge in flour prices across Pakistan has been alarming, with a 20-kilogram bag's price rising by up to Rs400 in a single week in major cities such as Karachi, Peshawar, and Islamabad.

In contrast, prices remained stable in Lahore and Faisalabad, while increasing by Rs333 to Rs3,133 in Rawalpindi and by Rs66 to Rs2,866 in Sialkot.