Sindh Minister for Food Makhdoom Mehboob-uz-Zaman on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the recent increase in wheat and flour prices and assessed the prevailing market situation.
Food minister chairs meeting to review flour prices
KARACHI, Jun 09 (APP): Sindh Minister for Food Makhdoom Mehboob-uz-Zaman on Tuesday chaired a high-level meeting to review the recent increase in wheat and flour prices and assessed the prevailing market situation.
Representatives of the Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA), Sindh Zone, led by Chairman Junaid Aziz, raised concerns over supply chain disruptions and market imbalances.
Addressing the meeting, the provincial food minister said the Sindh government was taking all possible measures to ensure the availability of affordable, quality and sufficient flour for consumers and would not tolerate artificial inflation or hoarding under any circumstances.
He chief minister had taken immediate notice of the situation and sought a comprehensive report on wheat stocks and availability across the province.
Makhdoom Mehboob-uz-Zaman clarified that there was no shortage of wheat or supply crisis in Sindh, however, certain elements were allegedly attempting to manipulate the market by artificially increasing prices and placing an additional burden on consumers.
He warned that strict legal action would be taken against those involved in creating artificial shortages or forcing the public to purchase flour at inflated rates. He further stated that wheat found to be illegally hoarded could be seized in accordance with the law.
He also highlighted the government’s efforts to bring transparency to the wheat sector, including the introduction of a digital payment mechanism for farmers aimed at curbing corruption and eliminating exploitative practices. During the meeting, PFMA Sindh Zone Chairman Junaid Aziz appreciated the Sindh government’s decision not to impose restrictions on wheat movement, saying the move was in line with Article 155 of the Constitution and had benefited farmers, growers and the business community.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Food Ghulam Abbas Naich, Director Food Allah Dino Channa, Additional Director Food Khalid Qaim Khani, Additional Director Administration and other relevant officials.
