Prime Minister Imran Khan has said that ensuring availability of essential food items on affordable rates is top priority of the government.

He was chairing a weekly review meeting in Islamabad regarding prices of essential items and their availability across Pakistan.

The meeting was informed that difference between wholesale and retail prices shows failure of market committees.

The meeting decided to immediately dissolve existing market committees in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The Prime Minister on this occasion directed to take prompt action against officers in case of any negligence.

He also directed the administration of Utility Stores Corporation to ensure the ample availability of basic goods at all outlets.

The Prime Minister advised the Ministry of National Food Security to complete at the earliest the assessment work regarding the future requirement of basic commodities like wheat and sugar to ensure advance arrangements in this regard.

He directed all the chief secretaries to ensure the implementation of price list through active and effective role of the administration.