Independent Report
Peshawar:
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has initiated emergency relief measures following what it described as unconstitutional restrictions imposed by the Punjab government on inter-provincial movement of wheat. On the directives of Chief Minister Sohail Afridi, the Food Department has begun releasing 136,000 metric tons of wheat from strategic reserves.
The chief minister said the move aims to shield the public from price pressure caused by the restrictions, stressing that food availability will not be allowed to become hostage to provincial barriers or administrative limits.
Referring to Article 151 of the Constitution, Afridi said free movement of goods across the country is a constitutional guarantee. He noted that the open market price of wheat in the province has risen to Rs13,650 per 100 kilograms.
To provide relief, the KP government will supply wheat at a subsidized rate of Rs10,414 per 100 kilograms, while a 20-kg flour bag will be available at Rs2,220 instead of Rs3,020.
He assured that the wheat release process will remain transparent and limited to eligible flour mills and authorized dealers. Strict district- and tehsil-level monitoring will be enforced, with stern action against hoarders and profiteers. The chief minister reiterated that the KP government stands firmly with the public and will protect the interests of the poor at all costs.
