The National Assembly was informed on Tuesday that the government has extended a subsidy of thirty billion rupees to the consumers through Utility Stores Corporation (USC).

Responding to a calling attention notice, Parliamentary Secretary for Industries and Production Aliya Hamza Malik said the prices of essential commodities including ghee, rice, pulses, flour and sugar remained constant at the utility outlets from February 2020 to 27th July 2021.

She said we have also taken Utility Stores Corporation towards profitability and its sales have also enhanced significantly.

Six bills were laid during today's session, which was held at the Parliament House in Islamabad with Presiding Officer Amjad Ali Khan in the chair.

These included: The Constitution Amendment Bill (Amendment in Article 27), the Trade Organizations Amendment Bill 2021, The Constitution Amendment Bill (Amendment in Article 59), The Drug Regulatory Amendment Bill, 2021, Pakistan Medical Commission Amendment Bill and Islamabad Capital Territory Destitute and Neglected Children Bill, 2021.

The chair referred the bills to the standing committees concerned.

Meanwhile, a parliamentary delegation from Niger attended the proceedings of the house.

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan welcomed the parliamentary delegation. He hoped both Pakistan and Niger will work together for world peace.

He appreciated the support and stance of Niger for the cause of Kashmiri people. 

The House will now meet again tomorrow at 11 a.m.