Opposition warns of wheat crisis

Govt claims adequate stocks available

LAHORE:

The Opposition in the Punjab Assembly has raised alarm over the government's lack of a comprehensive wheat purchase policy, warning of a severe wheat crisis in the coming months.

During a heated session, opposition members criticised the provincial government's inaction and warned that Punjab could face significant shortages by November and December.

Opposition Leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar, speaking on a point of order, revealed that wheat stocks are being diverted to other regions, and the government's lack of seriousness is setting the stage for a crisis.

He expressed concern that the government has no concrete plan to manage the potential shortage, and warned that the people would suffer as a result.

Bhachar also noted that the parliamentary secretary had no reliable data on available wheat stocks, further fuelling concerns. "The government's inability to address this issue could lead to a serious challenge in the coming months," he said.

In response, Parliamentary Secretary Malik Waheed dismissed these concerns, stating that the government has adequate reserves and assured that it would take necessary steps to prevent any crisis. "There is no need to worry; the government will do what's best for its people," he stated confidently.

However, Waheed's assurances did little to calm the Opposition. Mian Ijaz Shafi, an opposition lawmaker, sharply criticized the government for making similar claims in the past, only to fall short in supporting farmers and ensuring food security.

Adding to the session's tense atmosphere, Pakistan People's Party (PPP) lawmaker Mumtaz Ali Chang voiced his concerns about the ongoing lawlessness in the Kacha area.

He accused the Punjab and Sindh police of being complicit in supporting the criminal activities of local dacoits, questioning the effectiveness of the operations against them.

Chang claimed that despite spending large amounts of money on operations in the Kacha area, the situation remained unchanged.