By Junaid Toru
Peshawar: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Minister Zahir Shah Toru on Tuesday urged the Punjab government to lift its ban on inter-provincial wheat and flour supply. He called the move a violation of Article 151 of the Constitution.
Chairing a high-level meeting, the minister said Punjab’s restrictions caused a temporary rise in flour prices in KP and other provinces. He noted that wheat is available across the country, yet the ban directly affects the poor. “This unconstitutional action must end immediately to give relief to the common people,” he stressed.
Food Secretary Shah Mahmood, Additional Secretary Ashfaq Ahmad, Director Food Mohsin Iqbal, deputy directors, and district food controllers attended the meeting. Officials told the minister that KP needs 5.3 million metric tonnes of wheat annually. The province produces 1.4 million tonnes locally and procures the rest, mainly from Punjab. They added that KP currently holds 0.273 million metric tonnes in stock, while wheat availability at the national level remains sufficient.
Officials also reported that wheat prices had dropped that day and would likely fall further.
Toru reiterated that Punjab’s ban was unconstitutional and harmful to consumers across Pakistan. He urged the federal and Punjab governments to restore wheat and flour supply to KP without delay.
The minister directed officials to create a strategy that prevents such crises in the future and ensures sustainable relief for vulnerable communities. He also ordered district food controllers to act against hoarding and profiteering. “Take strict action without delay against anyone involved in hoarding wheat or flour,” he said.
