The federal cabinet has accorded approval to provide transit to shipment of 50,000 metric tons of wheat supplied by India to Afghanistan to avert any humanitarian crisis.

This was stated by Minister for Information and Broadcasting Chaudhary Fawad Hussain while briefing media about the decisions taken by the federal cabinet, which met in Islamabad today (Tuesday) with Prime Minister Imran Khan in the chair.

He said Pakistan has already decided to provide humanitarian assistance worth five billion rupees, comprising wheat, emergency medical supplies, winter shelters and other supplies to Afghanistan.

He said the cabinet also approved granting of funds to the Rehmatul-lil-Aalameen Authority, second tranche of 134 billion rupees for the payment of outstanding dues of Independent Power Producers, and 10 billion rupees for projects relating to Sustainable Development Goals.

The Information Minister said the cabinet also approved constitution of a committee regarding Electronic Voting Machines to be headed by Advisor to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs Dr Babar Awan. 

The Committee will prepare a detailed report on matters related to technical assistance and expenses of EVMs.

He said the government is always ready to talk to the opposition on electoral reforms and use of EVMs to ensure free, fair and transparent elections in the country.

The Minister made it clear that next elections will be held through EVMs.

Talking about the price hike, he said the government is taking bold steps to control inflation and to provide relief to the general public.

He said sugar is available in the market at 90 to 95 rupees per kilogram which is expected to further reduce to 85 rupees per kilo.

The Minister welcomed the statement of the Supreme Court Bar Association of Pakistan disassociating from the speeches delivered against the judiciary and the military during a conference in Lahore.