The Ramzan Vows - Can the Relief Package Program 2013 run efficiently?

As we near Ramzan, the topic that pinches us every year, price hike comes back to daunt us, the poor
even more so. Profiteers and hoarders come out of their slumber to gain the most during the Holy
month on essential and basic commodities. In 2011, it was recorded that prices on fruits and vegetables
along with more than 25 daily commodities such as sugar, rice, chicken, beef and mutton amongst many,
hiked almost 80 to 100 percent. The war between purchasing power of the common man in Pakistan
and Ramzan has been going on for years. In the past, the governments have mostly failed in curbing
food price inflation; we have yet to see what lies ahead for this year.
The Punjab Chief Minister, Mr. Shahbaz Sharif has announced maximum relief to the common man
during the month of Ramzan in 2013 whilst providing subsidies of PKR 4 Billion on basic items at cheaper
rates. It has been announced that 350 Ramzan bazars would be established in Punjab where items such
as a 20 kg bag of wheat will be given a subsidy of PKR 100. The same would be given a subsidy of PKR 60
outside of the Ramzan bazars. According to a spokesperson of the Punjab Food Department, more than
PKR 3 Billion out of the PKR 4 Billion will be put towards the subsidy of flour. Strict measures would be
placed against hoarders and profiteers and price control magistrates will be actively involved.
A special committee of the cabinet is responsible for reviewing the supply of the items and monitoring
the prices closely throughout the month. The committee is also responsible for holding talks with the
poultry, sugar and ghee associations so that the plans of providing relief to the common man are upheld.
The Utility Stores Corporation (USC) of Pakistan confirmed its Ramzan Packages worth PKR. 2 Billion in
order to provide the important items to the public at subsidized rates as part of the relief program
announced in Budget 2013-14 by the recently elected government in Pakistan. USC would make
available more than 3500 commodities on cheap rates in the open market.
USC is also arranging for mobile stores in addition to its stores to reach rural and areas further away
from the city. The supply is expected to remain smooth throughout Ramzan due to the zonal
management taking strict measures to ensure replenishment.
The Ministry of Industries and Utility Stores Corporation has formulated a comprehensive monitoring
plan for the Ramzan Relief Package for 2013, which are as follows:
1. Monitoring and inspection teams assigned to each zone to ensure availability of commodities
and act against any malpractice
2. Separate teams for Vigilance and Audit Departments have been placed at zonal levels to visit
Utility stores and warehouses on a daily basis and submit report on a daily basis
3. Operations Room set up at USC Head Office will be available for all complaints of customers
4. Ministry of Industries have informed the Chief Secretaries of all Provinces to take swift action in
case of any illegal activities, malpractice, black marketing and overpricing, etc. are recorded





Utility mega stores have also been established in the major cities which include Islamabad, Lahore,
Faisalabad, Peshawar, Multan and Muzaffarabad. The arrangements are geared up to achieve the sales
target of PKR 90 Billion set for the current year, an increase of PKR 20 Billion from last year due to the
confidence registered by the people as a result of the quality and low prices. However, of concern is the
panic buying by the public at the Utility Stores that has previously resulted in unnecessary shortage of
the supply. Such actions result in exploitation of the situation where hoarders and those involved in the
black market make soaring profits.
The relief package was initially to be launched on July 5 in order to facilitate the Pakistanis, however, the
delays have furthered the launch to July 10, 2013 giving a more favorable stance to hoarders. Close to
the beginning of Ramzan, exploitative act such as false shortages are expected, a disappointment on the
part of the new government.
Besides the governments assistance, foreign assistance is also being directed towards Pakistan in
Ramzan. Upon the instructions of the President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the
team of Emirati Project will distribute 2,400 tons of food among 30,000 families displaced by floods and
military operations in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This assistance will be worth GBP 1.5 Million.
Parcels containing essential food items to last the whole month for the families will be distributed.
The month of Ramzan brings with it many changes. Not only does the pace of life change, work
schedules and work patterns are altered significantly, add to that the frustration of food price inflation.
Though the new government is working towards relief for the common man in the trying month, many
challenges are expected to come its way. It is now up to the government, how it would monitor and
control any hindrances that can affect the well-being of the poor in the holy month.