Punjab to buy one million tonnes of wheat from PASSCO, Sindh launches crackdown on hoarding

The Punjab government has decided to procure one million tonnes of wheat from the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) in a bid to stabilise wheat and flour prices across the province.

As per reports, the decision was taken during a video-link meeting chaired by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday to review the wheat and flour situation.

Under the approved plan, wheat will be purchased from PASSCO and supplied to flour mills at Rs3,300 per maund to help ensure the availability of affordable flour and bread for consumers.

Participants in the meeting also reviewed concerns regarding the alleged restriction on the movement of wheat from Punjab to other provinces, particularly Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh. A detailed report on the matter was presented during the session.

Meanwhile, Sindh Food Minister Makhdoom Mehboobuz Zaman said there was no shortage of wheat in the province and warned of strict action against hoarders and those involved in creating artificial price increases.

Speaking at a high-level meeting held to review rising wheat and flour prices, the minister said the government would not tolerate profiteering or hoarding and remained committed to ensuring the availability of affordable flour.

The meeting reviewed wheat stocks, flour prices, hoarding and factors contributing to price increases in the market.

Sindh Food Minister said he had discussed the situation with Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, who had sought a comprehensive report on wheat stocks and availability across the province.

“There is no shortage of wheat or supply crisis in Sindh. However, certain elements are trying to create artificial price hikes and burden the public,” he said.

The minister said legal action would be taken against those forcing consumers to buy expensive flour and warned that illegally hoarded wheat would be confiscated.