ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet on Tuesday rejected a summary of the Health Ministry, seeking an increase in the retail price of 10 medicines.
Chairing the meeting at PM Office in Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif categorically stated that he did not support the price hike with regard to medicine.
The cabinet discussed several matters including Hajj overbooking inquiry, mutual legal assistance with other countries, energy performance standards, legislative cases, and approval of the decisions of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC).
The prime minister tasked Finance Minister Miftah Ismail, Minister for Food Security Tariq Bashir Cheema, Maritimes Affairs Minister Faisal Sabzwari, Commerce Minister Syed Naveed Qamar, and Advisor on Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan Affairs Qamar Zaman Kaira to work towards improving coordination among provinces regarding the price of wheat and distribution of urea.
On the inquiry report regarding the overbooking of Hajj pilgrims, the cabinet pointed out the problems relating to reconciliation, however, ruled out any charges of malicious intention.
The inquiry committee – that comprised representatives of finance and religious affairs ministries, and the State Bank of Pakistan – reported that the banks after the overbooking had compensated the pilgrims.
The prime minister directed the finance ministry and State Bank of Pakistan to question the banks over such negligence. He also issued a directive to SBP to keep their branches situation in the flood-affected areas open during holidays and weekly offs.
On the recommendation of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the cabinet approved the extension of the minimum energy performance standards of electric fans up till June 30, 2023.
The federal cabinet also gave approval to the decisions of ECC including funds amounting Rs 540 million in favour of Utility Stores Corporation for the provision of essential commodities in flood-hit areas.
The other ECC decisions include allocation of PASCO’s local and imported wheat stock among recipient agencies; transfer of amount to Afghanistan government on functioning, maintenance, and salaries of three Pakistani hospitals, and allocation of Rs 3 billion funds to National Disaster Management Authority.
