Punjab govt denies imposing restrictions on wheat and flour supply to KP, Sindh

LAHORE: The Punjab government has denied imposing any restrictions on the inter-provincial movement of wheat and flour, saying that the supply process is continuing transparently under a permit system.

In a statement to media on Sunday, Punjab Information Minister Azma Zahid Bukhari dismissed reports alleging a ban on wheat and flour movement to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Sindh, calling them “contrary to facts.”

“Punjab has not imposed any ban on the supply of flour. Distribution is being carried out transparently through a documented permit system,” she said, adding that a clear record is maintained of how much flour is transported out of the province.

Bukhari said the Punjab government’s foremost responsibility is to ensure the availability of wheat and affordable flour for its own residents. She credited Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for maintaining stable flour prices and uninterrupted supply through “far-sighted and well-organized policies.”

Responding to criticism from KP, the minister said that if KP’s wheat demand had increased, the provincial government should release its stored wheat or procure it from the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO).

“Punjab cannot sacrifice its people’s share of wheat for the sake of another province’s political theatrics,” she remarked.

Bukhari claimed that over 200 flour mills in KP are currently closed, urging the KP government to “focus on running those mills instead of protesting outside Adiala Jail.”

She further stated that Punjab purchases and stores wheat using taxpayers’ money, maintaining safe reserves of 885,000 metric tonnes worth Rs100 billion.

“If the KP government is truly concerned about its people, it should buy wheat from PASSCO or even import it. Political slogans and fiery statements will not run people’s kitchens,” she said.

Bukhari reiterated that the Punjab government is supplying wheat to flour mills at Rs3,000 per maund, while continuing efforts to curb hoarding, profiteering, and ensuring digital documentation of all inter-provincial wheat movement.

“We are committed to maintaining steady flour prices and ensuring continuous availability in the market,” she added.