PM announces 50,000 new retail outlets to provide cheaper goods to nation

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has planned to provide affordable goods and jobs to the people, under which 50,000 new retail stores (retail shops) will be opened in the country. According to the Daily Jang report, the government has decided that a loan of up to Rs 5 lakh will be provided to the citizens for opening retail stores and 1500 retail stores will be opened immediately.

Sources say 60% of the retail stores will be supplied by Utility Stores Corporation while the remaining 40% will be managed by the store owners themselves. The project will provide direct employment opportunities to 50,000 families for which an initial Rs 25 billion has been earmarked. Sources say that the process of finalizing the ration card scheme is also in the final phase.

On the other hand, Prime Minister Imran Khan has directed utility stores to continue the relief patch of Rs 7 billion after Ramadan. The federal government has decided that another relief package of billions of rupees will be given to reduce food prices at utility stores and additional resources will be provided. Ration cards will also be approved for the poor. Utility Stores Corporation has directed the preparation of the Koryleaf package.