Pakistan, Aug. 14 -- First Lady Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari assailed the countrywide closure of the Utility Stores Corporation (USC) despite the government's assurance last year that it would not be.

Aseefa recalled the PPP submitting a calling-to-attention notice on the issue of USC outlets' closure.

"Despite the assurances from the honourable minister, we have unfortunately found out that utility stores are being closed and hundreds of thousands of people are now unemployed," she said.

"As a result, their families are facing severe hardship. This is a clear injustice and we demand a clear answer from the government. I request the government to give attention to this again."

Minister for Food Security Rana Tanveer acknowledged that he said...