Govt slashes flour prices in Bhakkar

Over 200 subsidised sale points set up as 10kg flour bag fixed at Rs905

BHAKKAR:

Like other parts of the province, the Punjab government has announced a reduction in flour prices in Bhakkar district. Following government directives, all previous conditions related to the sale of subsidised flour have been abolished and official low-price flour sale points have been established across the district to ensure easy public access.

According to the district administration, more than 200 government-run flour sale points have been set up in Bhakkar, allowing citizens to purchase flour according to their needs without restrictions. The price of a 10-kilogramme bag of flour has been fixed at Rs905, while a 20-kilogramme bag is available for Rs1,810.

Officials said the move is part of the Punjab government's broader public relief initiative to counter rising living costs and ensure food security. The food department has assured the public that there is no shortage of flour in the district.

Adequate stocks are available, and a continuous supply chain has been put in place to prevent disruptions.

Authorities have made it mandatory for all sale points to ensure the availability of flour from 9am to 5pm daily, with sufficient quantities maintained at each outlet.

To further facilitate the public, the district administration has also established a complaint cell to address grievances related to flour quality, pricing or availability. Citizens can lodge complaints for immediate redress, and officials have pledged prompt action to resolve issues.

The administration has issued a warning to hoarders and profiteers, announcing strict action against anyone found involved in black marketing or overpricing.

Officials stated that cases would be registered against violators, sale points could be sealed, and no leniency would be shown.

The Para Force has been assigned special duties to monitor flour distribution and ensure transparency, preventing any irregularities in the supply system.

District Food Controller Bhakkar, Azhar Abbas Khan, told Express that the relief package was launched on the special directives of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, with a focus on supporting daily wage earners and labourers who have been hit hardest by inflation.

He said that over 200 official flour sale points have been established across all four tehsils of the district Bhakkar, Kalur Kot, Mankera and Darya Khan.

He added that the flour distribution system is being run transparently under the direct supervision of Deputy Commissioner Bhakkar, Ehsan Ali Jamali. "The government is committed to ensuring that affordable flour reaches the deserving segments of society without any discrimination or conditions," he said.