PESHAWAR: Chief Minister Ali Amin Khan Gandapur has directed quarters concerned to devise a detailed wheat procurement plan for next season.

He said that the plan should be submitted for approval of provincial cabinet to ensure quality of wheat as well as transparency in the entire procurement process.

Mr Gandapur issued these directives while chairing a meeting of provincial food department here on Thursday, said a statement. He also directed the relevant officials to ensure implementation of government’s decision to reduce the price of wheat bread (roti).

The chief minister also ordered establishment of model bazaars and food streets at all divisional headquarters of the province so that people could buy required items at official rates. He directed the officials not to compromise on the quality of food items at any cost.

“In order to ensure quality, the amount of fines should be increased substantially and classification of hotels and restaurants should be carried out to impose fines,” the statement quoted Mr Gandapur as saying. He added that fines should be increased in accordance with the size of business and necessary amendments should be proposed in relevant legal framework for the purpose.

The chief minister directed the authorities concerned to keep vigil on the import of adulterated milk and increase the number of mobile food testing laboratories. He said that products of factories producing defective food items should be tested by a certified laboratory.

He directed all the relevant departments to install CCTV cameras at their checkposts. He said that finance department would provide required funds for the purpose.

The chief minister was given a detailed presentation about the mandate of the department, its administrative affairs, procurement and supply of wheat, available wheat stock and different matters related to food safety and Halal food authority.

Provincial Minister for Food Zahir Shah Toru, Additional Chief Secretary of Planning and Development Syed Imtiaz Hussain Shah, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Amjad Ali Khan, Food Secretary Zareeful Maani, Finance Secretary Amir Sultan Tareen, Health Secretary Mahmood Aslam and other relevant officials attended the meeting.

Published in Dawn, April 19th, 2024