Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue, Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired a second meeting of the Steering Committee on Inflationary Trends in Pakistan to review ways to curb inflation amid recent floods, reported 24NewsHD TV Channel.
Addressing the meeting, Finance Minister said that controlling inflation and ensuring price stability remain among the top priorities of the government, especially to safeguard vulnerable and low-income households, including those affected by recent floods.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb said there were ample reserves of wheat in the country. He claimed rice and sugarcane crops have suffered minor damage.
He said artificial inflation will not be tolerated. He said the Steering Committee had been tasked with closely tracking market developments, coordinating policy responses across federal and provincial levels, and recommending timely administrative measures to contain inflationary pressures and protect the purchasing power of the people.
The Committee carried out a comprehensive review of the entire basket of essential food items, taking stock of the latest changes in the Sensitive Price Index (SPI). The prevailing trends in key commodities such as onions, tomatoes, rice, wheat, sugar, and edible oil were closely examined. The members discussed province- and region-wise supply disruptions and stock positions, as well as the import situation for certain basic food items.
The meeting also reviewed the preparation for the upcoming sowing season, with the Committee emphasizing the need for a proactive approach to ensure the timely availability of seeds and other agricultural inputs. The Finance Minister directed all relevant institutions, including the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), SUPARCO, and Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, to work closely with provincial governments in completing accurate and timely crop damage assessments.
The meeting was attended by members of the Steering Committee, including Federal Secretaries and senior officials from the Finance Division, Power Division, Petroleum Division, Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ministry of National Food Security and Research, State Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, and the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).