Govt fixes 20kg flour bag price at Rs2,220
DLP Report
PESHAWAR
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi has directed the provincial food department to immediately release 136,000 metric tons of wheat from strategic reserves.
According to an official statement, the decision was taken by the chief executive of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in view of a sharp increase in wheat prices in the open market following restrictions imposed by the Punjab government, which pushed rates up to Rs13,650 per 100 kilograms.
“To ease the burden on consumers, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has announced the sale of wheat at a subsidised rate of Rs10,414 per 100 kilograms. Consequently, a 20-kilogram bag of flour will be available at Rs2,220, significantly lower than the prevailing market price of Rs3,020,” the statement said.
The chief minister said Article 151 of the Constitution guarantees the free movement of essential commodities across the country and asserted that the KP government would not allow food availability to become hostage to provincial barriers or administrative restrictions.
“Safeguarding the fundamental rights of the people is a constitutional obligation of the government, and no compromise will be made,” he said.
Mr Afridi emphasised that the wheat release would be carried out in a fully transparent manner and strictly in accordance with prescribed procedures.
Under the mechanism, wheat will be supplied only to eligible flour mills and authorised dealers.
He added that the sale of flour at officially notified prices would be ensured through an effective system of monitoring and physical verification at district and tehsil levels.
Warning against malpractice, the chief minister said hoarding, profiteering and overcharging would not be tolerated, and strict action would be taken without discrimination against violators.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, he said the KP administration stood with the people under all circumstances and would not compromise on the interests of the common man.
