ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged all stakeholders to actively engage in ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts in flood affected areas of country. Addressing meeting of federal Cabinet here, he paid tribute to all those who have rendered their best services during flood disaster.  He said this is a testing time demanding unity in our ranks. He said victims of this disaster will always remember those who helped them in this difficult time. Alluding to recent visit of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to flood-hit areas of country, he said Secretary General emphasised on practical steps for helping flood affected people.

He said UN Chief recognised that Pakistan has become worst victim of disaster induced by climate change, a phenomenon in which it has little to none contribution. Meanwhile, Federal Cabinet has rejected to increase retail prices of ten different medicines. Cabinet declined summary of Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination regarding hike in medicines’ price.

Shehbaz Sharif said that he did not support idea of enhancing medicines’ rates. He also gave task to Finance Minister Miftah Ismail, Minister for Food Security Tariq Bashir Cheema, Minister for Maritime Affairs Faisal Sabzwari, Commerce Minister Syed Naveed Qamar and Advisor on Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Qamar Zaman Kaira for improving harmony among provinces regarding fixing of wheat prices and distribution of urea.  Cabinet extended Minimum Energy Performance Standards for electric fans till end of June this year. However, Prime Minister directed to improve Minimum Energy Performance Standards at earliest. A summary for Mutual Legal Assistance for countries with whom no such agreement exists at present also got nod of Cabinet.

Meeting also discussed report regarding overbooking of Government Hajj Scheme quota.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 14 2022

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.