ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan says the government subsidies are aimed at providing relief and assistance to poor and deserving people.

He was chairing a meeting of a think-tank, established regarding various issues pertaining to economy in Islamabad today (Monday).

The Prime Minister stressed the need to thoroughly review the entire system of subsidies to ensure that maximum number of people benefit from it in a transparent manner.

He directed the Finance Adviser to set up a special cell to scrutinize and review the subsidies provided by government in various fields and make comprehensive recommendations to enhance their effectiveness.

Appreciating the importance, reach and transparency of cash transfer under Ehsas Programme, Imran Khan advised to consult Ehsas Cash Programme database for provision of electricity, gas, utility stores, and other subsidies to the needy and the downtrodden.

The Prime Minister was briefed about the budget and subsidies in electricity, gas, fertilizers, utility stores, exports, housing, Ehsas, National Highway Authority, and other government organizations.