ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Pakistan launched a program Friday to issue cards to millions of its poor so they can buy government-subsidized food at a time when prices are soaring and a crucial election is approaching.
The plan will enable more than 6 million low-income families to buy rice, cooking oil, lentils, sugar and wheat flour — all Pakistani staples — at more than 40 percent less than market prices, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan news agency reported.
“It is the obligation of the state to help those who do not have enough means, and we will ensure that everyone is able to get food at affordable rates,” APP quoted President Pervez Musharraf as saying.
A severe shortage of wheat flour hit many parts of the country recently, pushing up the price of flat-bread, a staple. Prices of cooking oil, rice and sugar have also risen in recent months.
Food prices jumped by about 14 percent in 2007, according to government figures.
Re: Pakistan to help millions of poor buy subsidized food amid increasing prices.
Daleel bhai. Rejoice, rejoice. It is not misery, it is much needed help for the poor people to cope with the global food price rise, and the global wheat crisis.
Re: Pakistan to help millions of poor buy subsidized food amid increasing prices.
I am confused about your comments on this news.
Is par aik joke yaad aa gya.
aik pir sahab key biwi un ko ghar key murghe daal barabar smajh kar koi ahmiat nahi day-tee thee laikin shahar kay saray loog un kay aqeedat mand thay.
Aik din pir sahab ko ghussa aa ga-ya tow unhon nay kutia say bahar nikal kar urna sheroo kar dey-a sara shahar ikattha ho ga-ya . sub tareef karnay lagay.
Peer sahab thori dair kay baad ghar main aa-a aur biwi say kaha , tum nay dekhee merey karamat , main hawa main ur raha tha.
Biwi boli woh tum thay ? jabhi teray teray ur rahay thay.
Daleel bhai yahi haal aap ka hay Mush key koi ada aap ko passand nahi aatee ?
I am not a fan of Mush either but I think this is a step in right direction . About time . What do you say ?
Re: Pakistan to help millions of poor buy subsidized food amid increasing prices.
^ Read the quoted part, that is what I was referring to. Giving bribe to poor people just before election is right up Mush's street because according to him "Kursi first"
Re: Pakistan to help millions of poor buy subsidized food amid increasing prices.
So the Mush Govt. had made billions by creating or let me say taking away food and other basic necessities from the People of Pakistan, and now they have opened one more door of corruption, I can bet that, Mush govt taken this step to protect a new business line, the cards will be available at certain price.
The suppliers of the food and comodities and high rates should be prosecuted but, Mush seems to be enjoying the profits from that side, so he decided to accept the same price and let people pay for the subsidy..
Shame on Musharaf and those who are making life Average Pakistani a living hell.
I hope Mushy and his family have to stand in the freezing weather, in a que to get the basic necessties of life, and InshaAllah the day will come, when the families of Mush & co will be on the roads, seeking Justice from the system they themselves have imposed.
