2000 new Utility Stores on cards: advisor

RAWALPINDI: In order to provide relief to the people, 2000 new Utility Stores would soon be established countrywide, said Advisor to the Prime Minister on Industries Muhammad Basharat Raja.

Talking to APP here on Monday, he said at present, there are 5600 utility stores across the country, which were providing relief to the citizens and supplying quality items of daily use on cheaper rates as compared to the open market.

He said, "Strategy is being mulled to open 2000 more utility stores in the country. Monitoring committees within the utility stores have been established to check any embezzlement within. Vigilance department of the Utility Stores will be made more effective," he added.

He said under Ramadan package of the government, subsidized items were being provided to the consumers and so far sale of more than Rs8 billion has been recorded, while it is expected that the overall sale of Ramadan-ul-Mubarak would cross Rs16 billion till the end of the holy month, he added.

To a question, Advisor to the Prime Minister said that the Pakistan People's Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League-(Q), both the big parties of the country will foil the conspiracies being hatched against democratic government.

To another question he said, the government is striving hard to speed up industrial development in the country adding, trade policies would be made business oriented and investors friendly.

He said that prices of commodities on Utility Stores countrywide outlets were decreased to facilitate the masses during the month of Ramadan.

He informed that enough stock of sugar was available however; threatening that stern action would be taken against hoarders to ensure smooth flow of sugar.

He said that almost all necessities of life are being made available at the country's all outlets, adding that working hours of the Utility Stores were enhanced during Ramazan in a bid to better serve the people. (APP)