Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Special Assistant to the Chief Minister on Food, Dr. Muhammad Israr Khan, has alleged that Punjab’s wheat policy and restrictions on inter-provincial transportation have contributed to higher flour prices in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and other parts of the country.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Peshawar alongside KP Information Minister Shafi Jan, Dr. Israr said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa depends on wheat produced in Punjab and imported supplies to meet its annual shortfall of around 3.8 million metric tons. His remarks reflect the KP government’s position on the issue.
KP Relies on Punjab’s Wheat Surplus
Dr. Israr said Punjab produces approximately 21.9 million metric tons of wheat annually against a domestic requirement of around 15 million metric tons, leaving a surplus of nearly 6 million metric tons.
According to him, the surplus is sufficient to help meet wheat demand in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh, and Balochistan.
KP Alleges Transport Restrictions Increased Flour Prices
The KP food adviser alleged that unofficial restrictions on transporting wheat and flour into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have led to illegal extortion from dealers, increasing flour prices in the province.
He also claimed that restrictions on inter-provincial wheat movement during the harvesting season caused financial losses for farmers and disrupted the market. According to Dr. Israr, investors purchased wheat from farmers at government-set prices before it was later sold at higher market rates.
He argued that restrictions on inter-provincial trade contradict the principles outlined in Article 151 of the Constitution of Pakistan, which relates to freedom of trade, commerce, and intercourse within the country.
PASSCO Agreement Restores Wheat Supply
Dr. Israr said the KP government has signed an agreement with the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) to procure approximately 175,000 metric tons of wheat.
He said 25,000 metric tons have already been delivered and that wheat transportation to the province has resumed following discussions with the federal government.
The adviser credited Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, Information Minister Shafi Jan, and Muzzammil Aslam for helping restore the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PASSCO.
Public Assured Over Wheat Availability
Dr. Israr said the wheat market in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains stable and assured residents there is no immediate shortage of wheat.
He added that the provincial government has contingency plans in place should supply challenges arise in the future.
Concerns Raised Over Milk Quality
During the press conference, Dr. Israr also raised concerns about the reported entry of substandard milk tankers from Punjab into Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He said the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Authority and other relevant agencies are taking action to intercept unsafe milk supplies and urged Punjab authorities to strengthen quality controls before products leave the province.
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