Wheat hoarders face crackdown
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered strict action against those involved in illegal wheat storage after a three-day grace period for all stockpilers declare their stocks.
She was chairing a meeting to address the issue of wheat hoarding in the wake of the ongoing flood situation in the province.
She issued a directive to initiate legal action against those who fail to comply after the three-day deadline.
The chief minister agreed to a proposal that action should not be taken against those who truthfully declare their wheat stocks.
She emphasised the need for accurate identification and reporting of wheat stockpiles in the province.
The chief minister asserted that those who are attempting to exploit the flood crisis would not be shown leniency.
She highlighted that certain elements were trying to create artificial shortage of wheat, which would not be tolerated under any circumstance.
She stressed that the government must demonstrate its writ to protect public interest and ensure stability in the wheat and flour markets.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) to continuously conduct inspections and enforce the laws across the province.
She directed the authority to ensure that the government price lists are prominently displayed at all retail outlets and take stern action against the violators.
She ordered immediate remedial and disciplinary action over the loss of wheat stocks in Khanewal due to flooding,
The food department director general was removed from office for failing to transport the wheat to a safe place in time, while the Khanewal district food controller along with the whole local staff were suspended from service.
The chief minister reiterated that all available resources must be utilised to identify illegal wheat hoarders along with launching a crackdown against them at the earliest.
She emphasised that steps should be taken to maintain stable prices of wheat and flour throughout the province.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered the relevant authorities to provide tents to flood victims to shield them against possible rains in the affected areas.
Distribution of tents and other essential goods to flood victims in various districts is under way The chief minister noted that 2,500 tents had been sent to Jalalpur, 2,500 more were being sent to the flood victims of Rahim Yar Khan and 1,000 had been sent to Rajanpur.
The authorities in Rahim Yar Khan evacuated 7,000 people to protect them from potential flood.
The chief minister was informed that the evacuation operation from flood-affected areas had been completed with the help of 24 boats.
Officials said 12 flood relief camps had been established in the district, where steps had been taken to ensure cleanliness and fumigation in order to prevent infectious diseases. Clinics-on-Wheels are also deployed near flood relief camps.