KP urges federal govt to ensure uninterrupted wheat supply from Punjab

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities have written to the federal government, urging immediate intervention to ensure the uninterrupted supply of wheat and flour to the province amid reported restrictions in Punjab,24NewsHD TV reported on Sunday.

In the letter, the provincial government warned that obstacles in the transportation of wheat and flour from Punjab could trigger a serious shortage crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

According to the communication, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa requires around 5.3 million metric tons of wheat annually.

In comparison, local production is only 1.6 million metric tons, leaving the province heavily dependent on supplies from other provinces.

The provincial government called for the immediate clearance of wheat-loaded vehicles allegedly stopped in Punjab and stressed that any restriction on inter-provincial movement of wheat violated Article 151 of the Constitution, which guarantees free trade and commerce among provinces.

The letter also urged the federal government to ensure an uninterrupted wheat supply through the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) to avoid disruption in essential food supplies.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa authorities warned that the restrictions imposed by Punjab officials were beginning to affect the province’s strategic wheat reserves, raising concerns over food security and market stability.

Reporter: Malik Rahman