Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb on Friday chaired the inaugural session of the Steering Committee on Inflationary Trends, a high-level body tasked with addressing the sharp rise in consumer prices, particularly food staples, in the wake of flood-induced supply disruptions.
The committee, established last week under the directive of the prime minister, convened to review both domestic and global drivers of inflation while exploring policy responses to ease mounting pressure on low-income and flood-affected communities. The official agenda placed heavy emphasis on food markets, agricultural reserves, and the stability of supply chains, which remain under strain from climate shocks and logistical bottlenecks.
In his opening remarks, Aurangzeb underscored the urgency of aligning government institutions to mitigate inflationary pressures. He directed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research and the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics to work closely with provincial governments to assess real-time reserves of essential commodities such as wheat, rice, and sugar. The minister assured participants that the Finance Division would provide maximum support to protect vulnerable households, especially those already facing the brunt of recent flooding.
“Rising food prices have placed an unbearable burden on low-income families and flood-hit communities. Coordinated monitoring and timely interventions will be essential to avoid shortages and prevent market speculation,” Aurangzeb stressed during the session.
Participants highlighted the need for continuous tracking of commodity prices, crop output, and distribution networks to ensure rapid and effective government action. Officials from the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives presented preliminary assessments of flood damage to agricultural lands, warning that delayed harvesting and transportation challenges could further complicate supply stability in the coming months.
Senior representatives from the Finance Division, Power Division, Petroleum Division, Ministry of National Food Security and Research, State Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, and the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) also attended. Their input underscored the interlinkages between energy costs, global commodity prices, and domestic food inflation.
The State Bank officials pointed out that global market volatility, driven by weather disruptions and geopolitical tensions, continues to amplify imported inflation in Pakistan. Meanwhile, energy price fluctuations, particularly in fuel and electricity, are feeding directly into the cost of food production and distribution.
The meeting concluded with agreement on a framework for closer inter-agency coordination and enhanced data-sharing mechanisms. Officials confirmed that the committee would reconvene in the coming days to finalize actionable recommendations, including administrative measures to stabilize markets, curb hoarding, and safeguard uninterrupted supplies nationwide.
By placing inflation management under a dedicated steering body, the government aims to strengthen policy oversight and deliver quicker responses to crises that threaten household purchasing power and overall economic stability.
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