The federal government has directed the immediate removal of all obstacles hindering the transportation and distribution of wheat and flour to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of National Food Security said that relevant authorities have been instructed to facilitate the smooth movement of wheat and flour consignments and to ensure that no disruptions occur in the supply chain.
The ministry also launched a dedicated WhatsApp helpline to enable citizens, transporters, and businesses to report complaints or any barriers affecting the delivery process.
Officials stated that the initiative is designed to strengthen coordination between federal and provincial authorities and to address concerns related to delays or restrictions in the movement of essential food supplies.
The ministry further urged stakeholders to promptly report any incidents of obstruction, hoarding, or interference impacting the transportation of wheat and flour.
Fears of a wheat and flour crisis emerged in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, prompting the provincial government to take urgent action.
According to reports, the KP government has written a letter to the federal government seeking an uninterrupted supply of wheat and warning that restrictions on the transportation of wheat and flour from Punjab could trigger a serious crisis in the province.
In the letter sent to the federal authorities, the KP government stated that the province produces only 1.6 million metric tons of wheat locally, while its annual requirement stands at 5.3 million metric tons.
Due to the shortage, the price of a 40-kilogram wheat bag has reportedly crossed Rs4,700 in the province.
The letter further claimed that restrictions imposed by Punjab authorities are affecting KP’s strategic wheat reserves. Around 554.800 metric tons of wheat destined for Malakand Dargai were allegedly stopped, disrupting the transportation of 5,548 wheat bags.
The provincial government urged the federation to take immediate notice of the matter, stating that restrictions on wheat transportation violate Article 151 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of trade between provinces.
The letter also requested the federal government to immediately allow the release of the wheat-loaded vehicles stopped in Punjab.
Officials added that the KP government has already approved the purchase of 225,000 metric tons of wheat and asked the federation to ensure an uninterrupted wheat supply from Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO).
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