KARACHI: Flour miller owners in Sindh have refused to cooperate with the provincial government for its intended ‘Ramazan package,’ calling it impractical and political gimmickry.

In a letter to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, the Sindh chapter of the Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) said it has always been opposed to impractical campaigns, which do not serve the objective of providing relief to the poor.

Except, they are merely “political show-off” and result in widespread malpractice, said Zahoor Ahmed Lahori, the PFMA Sindh chapter’s secretary.

“In no way, flour mills will accept the Ramazan Package and are totally against [it] and would not be a part of it,” the flour association said.

The body said it also refused a similar initiative in 2017 because needy people never benefit from such packages. The PFMA believed instead of such packages, the government should provide subsidies through the Benazir Income Support Programme or the Ehsas Programme.

Besides, relief could also be provided by subsidising electricity for the poor who consume 300 units or less as it will lower their expenses.

With Ramazan approaching, and inflation showing no signs of subsiding, the poor are feeling the pang as daily use items are fast getting out of the reach of the poor. As the price of flour has shot up by more than 100 per cent over the last two years, the price of a Naan surged to Rs30 from Rs12 during the period.

Published in Dawn, March 12th, 2023

Follow Dawn Business on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business, finance and tech from Pakistan and across the world.

Opinion

Editorial

Counterterrorism plan
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Counterterrorism plan

Lacunae in our counterterrorism efforts need to be plugged quickly.
Bullish stock market
23 Nov, 2024

Bullish stock market

NORMALLY, stock markets rise gradually. In recent months, however, Pakistan’s stock market has soared to one ...
Political misstep
Updated 23 Nov, 2024

Political misstep

To drag a critical ally like Saudi Arabia into unfounded conspiracies is detrimental to Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Kurram atrocity
Updated 22 Nov, 2024

Kurram atrocity

It would be a monumental mistake for the state to continue ignoring the violence in Kurram.
Persistent grip
22 Nov, 2024

Persistent grip

An audit of polio funds at federal and provincial levels is sorely needed, with obstacles hindering eradication efforts targeted.
Green transport
22 Nov, 2024

Green transport

THE government has taken a commendable step by announcing a New Energy Vehicle policy aiming to ensure that by 2030,...