Islamabad: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday said that "come what may", his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government would announce various measures to be taken by the federal cabinet to reduce the prices of basic food items.

In a tweet, the premier said: "I understand the difficulties ordinary people (including) salaried class are confronting and have decided, come what may, my govt will be announcing various measures that will be taken to reduce prices of basic food items for the common man in cabinet on Tuesday," Dawn reported.

In a subsequent tweet, the premier shared that all the relevant government agencies have begun an "in-depth probe" into the hike in flour and sugar prices.

"The nation should rest assured that all those responsible will be held accountable and penalised," he added.

The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics last week reported that the inflation rate had risen to 14.6 per cent in January from 12.6 per cent in the previous month, scaling the highest level in 12 years.