The Federal government has taken a major step to ensure uninterrupted supply of wheat and flour in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP). The federation has issued strict instructions to all administrations and concerned departments across the country to immediately remove all obstacles and blockades hindering the supply of wheat and flour to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
This decision was taken in the context of the reservations raised by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government and leaders against restrictions on inter-provincial transportation and under Article 151 of the Constitution which guarantees free trade throughout the country.
To facilitate the public, traders and transporters and bring transparency in the supply chain, the Ministry of National Food Security has launched a special WhatsApp number, If any illegal blockade, bribery, or administrative obstruction occurs anywhere during the delivery of wheat or flour, it can be reported immediately.
The affected individuals or transporters can register their complaint by sending details of the incident, location, and photos/videos to this WhatsApp number, on which immediate action will be taken by the federal authorities.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa requires about 5.3 million metric tons of wheat annually, while the province’s own production is only about 1.6 million metric tons. Therefore, the province depends on Punjab and PASCO supplies for its food needs. Reports of difficulties in transporting wheat have been coming out for the past few days.
Federal Minister for National Food Security, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has clarified that there are ample reserves of wheat in the country and there is no threat of any shortage. The government is committed to giving its fair share to each province and keeping prices stable.
The federal government has clarified that strict legal action will be taken against those who create artificial shortages or officers who unnecessarily stop supply.
According to the Ministry of Food Security, the aim of this WhatsApp helpline is to make supply transparent between the federation and the provinces so that cheap and quality flour can be available to the citizens of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa without any delay.
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