PESHAWAR
The deputy ameer of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) and Member of the Provincial Assembly (MPA) Inayatullah Khan has expressed grave concern over the Punjab government’s obstructions on the movement of wheat and wheat flour and accused it of creating hurdles in supply of wheat and flour to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“Article 151 of the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees inter-provincial free trade, the action of the Punjab government to obstruct the supply of flour and wheat to KP is clear violation of the law,” he maintained.
Addressing a press conference here on Monday at Peshawar Press Club, JI leader Anayatullah said that despite the fact that Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) ruling in Punjab and KP the later was facing acute shortage of flour and wheat, adding the prices of the commodity was also high in KP compared to Punjab.
“At present a 20 kg flour bag is being sold for Rs 2,000 due to shortage and it is feared that the rate will go up if action is not taken,” he added.
He said that it was the failure of the provincial government as it did not take the issue seriously, adding the supply of flour from Punjab was halted time and again due to which prices have steadily been rising in KP.
Mr Inayat claimed that the government of Punjab has established several checkposts on borders between Punjab and KP in order to hinder the supply of wheat and flour, adding that the officials Punjab food authority on the checkposts have seized 10 thousand tons of flour which has adversely affected availability of the commodity in the province.
The vehicles bringing flour and wheat from Punjab to KP were stopped on the checkposts and harassed for having no apparent reasons, he added.
JI senior leaders Bahrullah Advocate and others were also present on the occasion criticized the KP government for creating a shortage of flour and high prices in the market.
The Punjab government’s unnecessary check and balance has forced the people of KP to purchase wheat and flour at high rates compared to other provinces of the country, he added and accused the government of Punjab for having no intentions to give the most important commodity to the province.
The PTI government in KP and Punjab was mainly responsible for this mess; he said and claimed that poverty stricken people in the province were buying 20 kg flour for Rs1000.
Mr Inayatullah warned that its party would approach the court if supply of the commodity was remaining halted and its prices were not controlled by the provincial government.
