Cabinet expected to announce Rs15bn package amid inflation

ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet is expected to announce a Rs15 billion package to provide some relief to the poor as the inflationary situation across the country makes life harder for the average Pakistani.

A private news channel reported that the cabinet had decided to allocate Rs15bn through the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) to provides subsidies for necessary food items and those of daily use.

“The direct subsidies might utilise Rs40 to 50 billion through direct and indirect intervention going to be approved by the cabinet today,” a report in The News said.

According to the same publication, close political allies of the government were found to be involved in smuggling flour in the guise of suji and maida.

The government has decided to provide flour to 50,000 tandoors and prices of flour, ghee, pulses, rice and others edibles would be subsidized.

On Monday, during an interview, President Alvi acknowledged that the government had failed to provide relief to the masses and urged them to continue working for the betterment of the people.