Balochistan cracks down on missing wheat

Senior official arrested after 4,000 bags worth millions disappear in Zhoab district

QUETTA:

In a significant crackdown on corruption, Zhob Police have arrested an assistant food controller of the Balochistan Food Department after more than 4,000 wheat bags were found missing in the district.

The accused, identified as Zafar Khan, was taken into custody and shifted to the Zhob police station, where a case has been registered against him.

The arrest comes as part of a broader investigation into the disappearance of the wheat bags, with other suspects also apprehended in connection with the scandal. The District Police Officer (DPO) of Zhob, Syed Saboor Agha, personally oversaw the operation, ensuring that those responsible for this massive theft were brought to justice.

The discovery of this corruption scandal has sparked outrage in the community, but many have expressed their appreciation for the decisive action taken by the police. "Law will take its course," said DPO Syed Saboor Agha, reaffirming the commitment to holding those involved accountable.

The police's swift response in unearthing this corruption and arresting the culprits has been widely praised, as it sends a strong message against corrupt practices that undermine public trust and the fair distribution of essential resources like wheat.

the Balochistan Food Department has also launched an inquiry into the missing of wheat bags from Zhob district of Balochistan.

it has been reported just recently that wheat valued at over Rs50 million had reportedly gone missing from a government warehouse in Zhob district, Balochistan. The assistant director of the Food Authority in Zhob confirmed that 4,885 sacks of wheat vanished overnight from the facility.

The official suggested that soil might have been mixed with the wheat to disguise the shortfall and manipulate inventory records. In response to this incident, the warehouse manager has been arrested, and a First Information Report (FIR) was filed with the local police. The Balochistan Food Authority is currently investigating this unusual occurrence to ascertain how the wheat was removed.

They have committed to addressing any inconsistencies in the warehouse's inventory management. The missing wheat was designated for distribution through a government programme aimed at assisting local communities. The investigation will focus on uncovering the details surrounding the theft and reviewing the security protocols at the warehouse.

In May this year, the Balochistan government decided to procure 500,000 tons of wheat under the provincial government wheat procurement policy 2024.

In a bid to ensure food security and support local farmers, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti chaired an important meeting of the Food Department, where a comprehensive review of the wheat procurement policy and plan for 2024 was undertaken.

During the meeting, the Cm ordered the procurement of 500,000 tons of wheat directly from farmers this year, aiming to bolster agricultural activities in the region.

To facilitate the procurement, the cabinet approved an allocation of Rs5 billion. Chief Minister Bugti directed the Finance Department to release Rs2.5 billion on Monday, with the remaining amount scheduled for release later this month. Additionally, an immediate release of Rs13.9 million was sanctioned for the purchase of bags essential for the procurement process.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Bugti reiterated his commitment to providing relief to farmers and ensure transparency in the functioning of the Food Department. He expressed determination to eradicate corruption and restore trust in the department, acknowledging the past scandals that had tarnished its reputation.