Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has emphasized that safeguarding national food security and ensuring the availability of essential items at reasonable prices is the government's priority.

He was chairing a high-level meeting of the Cabinet Committee to review the stock position, pricing and supply of essential commodities, in Islamabad today.

He directed federal and provincial authorities to maintain vigilance over market networks and all organizations must show zero tolerance towards hoarding or market speculation.

The meeting conducted a comprehensive review of national reserves, procurement frameworks and local consumption and price trends.

During the meeting, it was apprised that domestic stocks of daily essentials remain adequate, offering stability for local supply.

On sugar, the Committee was briefed that price in the domestic market was well below the targeted retail price of 155 rupees per Kilogram, with surplus stock available till the next crushing season.

The Committee was briefed that for wheat, the domestic stocks along with imported wheat, was sufficient till the next harvest.

However, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar expressed his concern over the rising trend of wheat prices and directed Federal and Provincial Governments to take all necessary measures, including increase in supply of wheat, to stabilize prices.