Subsadised flour hits Peshawar markets

Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government has commenced the distribution of subsidized flour in Peshawar, a move aimed at easing the burden on households affected by skyrocketing wheat and flour prices.

Registered dealers are now selling the commodity under close supervision of the Food Department, which has conducted extensive inspections across markets and flour mills to ensure proper implementation.

Officials checked dealers' records, monitored supply chains, and collected direct feedback from citizens regarding the quality, weight, and availability of flour. Dealers were instructed that any negligence, misappropriation, or compromise in quality during distribution would not be tolerated. To facilitate effective delivery, dealers have been appointed at the level of every village council, and a modern digital application has been introduced to ensure eligible citizens receive their allotted flour efficiently. Field teams continue to actively oversee the distribution process to maintain transparency and accountability.

The initiative follows a recent surge in wheat prices, which reached Rs13,650 per 100 kilograms in the open market after supply disruptions caused by restrictions imposed by the Punjab government.

In response, the provincial administration released 136,000 metric tonnes of wheat from the province's strategic reserves to stabilize the market and protect consumers from inflated prices. Under the program, wheat is being provided to eligible flour mills and authorised dealers at Rs10,414 per 100 kilograms. Consequently, a 20-kilogram bag of flour is now available for Rs2,220, down from Rs3,020, providing significant relief to low- and middle-income households.

Chief Minister Sohail Afridi underscored that Article 151 of the Constitution guarantees the free movement of essential commodities across Pakistan. He warned that food security would not be compromised due to provincial restrictions or administrative barriers. Afridi emphasized that safeguarding the basic rights of citizens is a constitutional duty, and no compromise would be made on this principle.

He directed that wheat release and flour sales be carried out transparently and strictly in accordance with the approved mechanism. Monitoring and verification systems have been implemented at district and tehsil levels to prevent hoarding, profiteering, or violations of official price lists. Afridi reiterated that the K-P government is committed to standing with its citizens and will take decisive action against anyone exploiting the crisis. "There will be no compromise on the interests of the common man," he stated, reaffirming the administration's dedication to ensuring food availability and price stability across the province.