Punjab CM intensifies action against wheat hoarders, suspends food department officials over wheat loss in Khanewal due to floods

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed strict action against illegal wheat hoarding after a three-day grace period for stockpilers to declare their holdings. 

According to reports, while chairing a meeting to tackle the wheat hoarding issue amid ongoing floods, the chief minister ordered legal action against those failing to comply by the deadline.

The chief minister emphasized that no action would be taken against individuals who truthfully declare their stocks. She expressed concern over attempts to create an artificial wheat shortage in the province, stressing that such behavior would not be tolerated. 

“We must protect the public interest and maintain stability in the wheat and flour markets,” she stated.

The chief minister ordered immediate disciplinary measures for the loss of wheat stocks in Khanewal due to flooding. The director general of the food department was removed from office for failing to secure the wheat in time, while the local food controller and his staff were suspended.

To enforce the law, the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) has been tasked with conducting ongoing inspections across the province. The authority has been directed to ensure government price lists are displayed prominently at retail outlets and to take stern action against violators.

Maryam Nawaz reiterated the need to utilize all available resources to identify and crack down on illegal wheat hoarders, ensuring stable wheat and flour prices throughout Punjab.

In a related development, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) Assembly expressed strong disapproval over Punjab’s decision to restrict the movement of wheat and flour. A joint resolution condemned the move as unconstitutional, urging Punjab to lift the restrictions and allow the free trade of essential commodities. 

The K-P government clarified that it would not purchase wheat under current conditions due to the financial loss, but Punjab has pledged to supply 50,000 metric tons of flour monthly to K-P.

K-P lawmakers raised concerns about the rising flour prices and the shortage of wheat and flour, warning that the ongoing situation was causing hardship for residents. The resolution called for immediate action to ensure the uninterrupted provision of food staples across provinces.