Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Professor Ahsan Iqbal on Thursday reviewed the prevailing price situation of essential commodities, market supply mechanisms and measures aimed at ensuring price stability and protecting consumer interests.
Chaired by the minister, the National Price Monitoring Committee (NPMC) meeting was attended, among others, by senior representatives from the Federal Government, Provincial and Regional Governments, Islamabad Capital Territory Administration, and relevant departments responsible for food quality, price monitoring, market regulation and standardization.
The forum reviewed recent developments in essential commodity prices, inflation trends, market dynamics, and progress on various measures being undertaken to strengthen price monitoring, improve supply chain efficiency, and ensure better coordination among relevant stakeholders.
Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the importance of effective coordination among federal, provincial, and district administrations to ensure smooth market operations and protect consumer interests.
He directed all relevant authorities to further strengthen price monitoring mechanisms and take proactive measures to improve market efficiency.
The minister stressed the need to bridge the gap between wholesale and retail markets by improving supply chain systems and enhancing coordination with provincial and regional administrations.
He called for efficient market management and transparent monitoring mechanisms, terming them essential to ensure passing on the benefits of improved supply conditions to consumers.
Ahsan Iqbal directed the Ministry of Science and Technology to expedite the testing and analysis process of cooking oil/ghee and milk samples so that a comprehensive assessment of the quality being sold in the market can be completed at the earliest.
He emphasized the importance of food safety & quality and evidence-based decision-making and timely completion of technical evaluations.
The minister further directed relevant stakeholders to continue engagement with industry representatives, including edible oil and ghee manufacturers, to review market trends and identify opportunities for maintaining stable prices through effective coordination and monitoring.
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) briefed the committee on recent inflation trends, commodity price movements, and wholesale-retail price patterns.
The committee was informed about ongoing efforts to closely monitor market developments and strengthen data-based analysis for effective policy interventions.
The Ministry of National Food Security and Research briefed the Committee on the availability of essential agricultural inputs, including fertilizers, and informed that adequate stocks are available to meet domestic requirements.
The committee was also apprised of measures under the Government’s wheat policy aimed at supporting farmers, promoting agricultural production, and ensuring food security. The meeting also discussed measures to further improve supply chain efficiency and market infrastructure.
The minister directed relevant authorities to explore the establishment and strengthening of wholesale markets in major urban centers to enhance distribution networks and facilitate consumers.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment towards price stability and consumer welfare, Ahsan Iqbal stated that coordinated efforts, modern market systems and effective monitoring mechanisms were key to ensuring a balanced and efficient economic environment.
The meeting resolved to continue proactive monitoring, strengthen institutional coordination, and implement measures aimed at improving market management and protecting consumer interests.