MUZAFFARABAD:Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi on Monday directed the authorities to ensure availability of flour across the state at officially fixed price.

“Officers of the food department as well as the divisional and district administration should not only ensure sufficient supply of wheat flour in their areas concerned but also its sale and purchase at subsidised rates,” he said in a statement.

Mr Niazi who had recently announced a Rs400 per 40kg subsidy on flour during the month of fasting warned the officials against punitive action in the event of their failure to meet these targets.

“The government is under an obligation to facilitate citizens and will not tolerate any laxity in this regard,” he declared.

Apart from the wheat flour, Mr Niazi said, the administration should also keep an eye on the prices of other essential commodities lest unscrupulous elements did not exploit and fleece citizens during the holy month.

Published in Dawn, April 5th, 2022