PESHAWAR: An artificial shortage of government-subsidised flour has reportedly emerged in Peshawar, creating difficulties for citizens seeking to purchase flour at designated distribution points.
Residents of Faqirabad and Ashraf Road faced severe problems in obtaining government flour, with people reportedly having to wait for extended periods to secure their allocated supply.
According to officials, timely supplies from flour mills could not reach some dealers, resulting in stocks running out at several outlets.
Meanwhile, authorities have directed officials to take action against additional dealers found violating distribution rules. The identification of such dealers has reportedly been completed, and a detailed report has been forwarded to the Food Department.
Officials have also been instructed to cancel the quotas of dealers found involved in violations and identify new dealers to ensure a smooth supply of government flour.
Sources attributed the shortage in Peshawar partly to the movement of subsidised flour to other districts of the province and across the border into Afghanistan, including flour allegedly being carried by Afghan refugees.
The situation has raised concerns among residents, who have complained about difficulties in accessing government-supplied flour.
Despite the reported shortage, citizens have expressed frustration over what they describe as inadequate monitoring of the distribution system, while questions have also been raised over the role of the district administration in preventing the diversion and hoarding of subsidised flour.
Authorities are expected to take further measures to improve monitoring and ensure that government flour reaches consumers in Peshawar without disruption.
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