1,374 metric tons of illegally hoarded wheat seized in Punjab

The Food Department recovered 1,374 metric tons of illegally hoarded wheat during inspections of 10 rice mills in Chiniot, Lalian, and Bhawana on Monday. While food safety operations are being carried out in Punjab against illegal businesses, and penalties are being imposed, said an official.

The entire stock was discovered and sealed on the spot at the Rasheed Rice Mills in Tahiraabad, Tehsil Lalian. The mill administration was strictly ordered not to sell or deliver the wheat without government permission.

Of the 10 inspected mills, five were in Chiniot, three in Lalian, and two in Bhawana.

Read: Wheat prices surge as hoarders manipulate market

A department spokesperson stated the crackdown was proof of strict action against hoarding to ensure public relief "at all costs."

In a separate campaign, the Punjab Food Authority (PFA) conducted food safety operations, inspecting 74 food points and 39 milk transport vehicles.

A spokesperson said heavy fines totalling Rs51,000 were imposed for serious violations, including poor sanitation and missing medical records for employees.

During the operations, the authority also recovered and destroyed two kilograms of expired food items, while fines were levied on milk transport vehicles for providing defective samples.

Wheat prices in Hyderabad's open market skyrocketed as hoarders increased the price of a 100 kilograms sack by Rs2,400, pushing it to Rs 8,100, in August.

The sudden hike triggered an immediate rise in flour prices and caused unofficial supply halts from mills, creating shortages across the city.

Read more: Wheat hoarders face crackdown

This artificial crisis persists despite over 900,000 tons of wheat being stored in government warehouses across Sindh.

Haji Najmuddin Chohan, General Secretary of the Ata Chakki Owners Social Welfare Association, labelled the hike "alarming" and a direct challenge to the government's authority.

Chohan alleged that wheat bought from farmers at Rs2,200 per 40 kilograms is now being resold at Rs 3,200, exploiting both growers and consumers. He urgently called for government raids to recover hoarded stocks and prevent a full-blown public crisis.

Earlier in September, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had ordered strict action against wheat hoarders, giving stockpilers a three-day grace period to declare their stocks or face legal consequences.