Afridi slams Punjab's wheat supply curbs

K-P chief minister cites constitutional right to free inter-provincial trade

PESHAWAR:

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohaib Afridi has said that inter-provincial trade is a fundamental constitutional right of all provinces under Article 151 of the Constitution, and no province has the legal authority to restrict the movement of food commodities or grains across borders.

He made these remarks during a meeting with a high-level delegation of the Senate Standing Committee on Inter-Provincial Coordination, which called on him in Peshawar on Wednesday.

The delegation congratulated Chief Minister Afridi on assuming office and held detailed discussions on governance, economic cooperation, and inter-provincial relations.

During the meeting, the issue of restrictions imposed by the Punjab government on the free movement of wheat came under special consideration. Chief Minister Afridi said that while political differences are part of democracy, essential commodities like food should never become a tool of politics.

"The right to trade freely between provinces is guaranteed by the Constitution. No province can legally block the supply of food or essential goods to another," he asserted. He further noted that disruptions in the flow of wheat and flour not only damage inter-provincial harmony but also directly affect the economic wellbeing of ordinary citizens.

The Chief Minister stressed the need for a coordinated and sustainable approach to resolve the ongoing wheat supply challenges, emphasizing that effective inter-provincial cooperation is essential to ensure food security and economic stability across Pakistan.

He praised the Senate delegation for playing a constructive role in strengthening relations between the federation and the provinces and described them as "ambassadors of the people of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa."

The delegation included Senators Dilawar Khan, Mohsin Aziz, Naseema Ehsan, Nasir Mahmood, Hidayatullah Khan, Niaz Ahmad, and Musaddiq Masood, among others. Advisor to the Chief Minister on Finance Muzzammil Aslam, Secretary for Food Shah Mahmood, and other senior officials were also present on the occasion.

Chief Minister Afridi reaffirmed his government's commitment to upholding the constitutional rights of the province while promoting unity, economic growth, and mutual respect among all federating units.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Afridi has ordered an inquiry into alleged irregularities in paramedical staff recruitment in Mohmand district.

Following his directives, the Establishment Department has constituted a special fact-finding committee to investigate the matter.

According to an official notification issued by the Chief Secretary's office, the committee comprises Director General Sports Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Tashfeen Haider, and Additional Secretary Finance, Irshad Ali. The committee has been tasked with completing the investigation and submitting its report within seven days.

Chief Minister Afridi emphasized that transparency and merit must be strictly upheld in all government recruitments. He reiterated that the provincial government would not tolerate nepotism, corruption, or any unlawful practices in the hiring process. All appointments, he stated, must be made purely on the basis of competence, honesty, and fairness.