LAHORE:Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) Punjab has sounded alarm over a potential wheat and flour crisis, citing a shortage of wheat, an ‘unfair’ permit system, and alleged corruption.
The association's former chairman, Asim Raza, and Punjab chairman, Riaz Ullah, in a press conference here Tuesday said the open market wheat supply had decreased, leading to a continuous increase in prices. The situation is critical, with the government not providing the required 25,000 tons of wheat daily, instead offering only 7,000 tons, they said.
The PFMA alleges that millions of rupees are being extorted daily at Punjab's check posts. The association urged the government to conduct an impartial investigation into the matter and take strict action against those involved.
The PFMA demanded that restrictions on inter-provincial and intra-provincial wheat transportation be lifted, and daily permits of 10,000 tons be issued to functional flour mills on an equal basis. It also urged the government to remove the condition of supplying 25pc flour from private wheat for Rawalpindi and Islamabad flour mills, stating that it is impractical and unfair.
The association warns that the wheat shortage has begun, and the current 800,000 tons of wheat is insufficient for Punjab's needs. The PFMA emphasises that the government must take responsibility for ensuring the availability of wheat and flour. The association has assured the government of its full cooperation in resolving the issue and preventing a crisis, urging the government to act swiftly to address the situation.
