Food supplies committee: Punjab prepares proposals to amend rules, ToRs

By LAHORE: The Punjab government has prepared proposals to amend the rules and terms of reference (ToRs) of the provincial food supplies committee to ensure food security during emergencies. The proposals were discussed at a meeting of the committee chaired by Secretary Food Safety and Consumer Protection Dr Kiran Khurshid, following the directions of the Punjab chief minister. Dr Kiran Khurshid said recommendations for expanding the committee's scope and amending its ToRs would soon be sent to the cabinet secretary for approval. The Punjab food safety and consumer protection department has also forwarded the proposed amendments to the home department. She said timely measures were being taken to assess food grain requirements, determine strategic food reserves at provincial and regional levels, and maintain minimum safe stocks in anticipation of emergencies. Proposals were also presented to improve the storage and distribution of food grains according to emergency requirements. Recommendations include special arrangements to protect food reserves against radiation and climate-related hazards, an effective mechanism for supplying and distributing food grains during emergencies, and legal and regulatory measures for their procurement and supply. According to the secretary, special measures have also been proposed to protect food storage facilities, warehouses and distribution systems. The meeting focused on coordinated planning to meet the food requirements of the civilian population and armed forces during emergencies. Dr Kiran Khurshid said it had also been proposed to retain representatives of the food department, finance department, armed forces, Pakistan Railways, transport department, National Logistics Corporation (NLC) and Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) on the committee. She said the proposed amendments aimed to ensure the availability, protection, transportation and timely supply of food grains during emergencies. Participants of the meeting reaffirmed their commitment to making the storage and distribution of food grains more transparent and efficient. The Cabinet Division had approved the establishment of the committee and its terms of reference on September 2, 2020. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026