ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that the government was taking all-out measures to make subsidy system more transparent, effective and targeted.

Presiding over a meeting, Prime Minister Imran Khan directed to ensure effective utilisation of subsidies to give maximum relief to lower-income segments of the society. He maintained that fulfilling the requirements of poverty-stricken people was the government’s top priority.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Social Protection and Poverty Alleviation Dr Sania Nishtar, National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) chairman and finance secretary and other officials were present in the meeting.

Earlier on July 20, stressing the need for reforms in ‘subsidy system’, Prime Minister Imran Khan had directed to ensure that the benefit of subsidies reached only the poor and needy people.

Presiding over a meeting of an economic think-tank, PM Imran had ordered to review the entire subsidy system, adding, “The government subsidies are aimed at providing relief and assistance to poor and deserving people.”

The premier had directed his finance adviser to set up a special cell to review the subsidies provided by the government in various fields and make comprehensive recommendations to enhance their effectiveness. NNI