Qaseem Shah:
QUETTA – The wheat crisis in Balochistan has escalated as flour prices hit an unprecedented Rs 2,300 for a 20-kilogram bag, leaving consumers grappling with soaring food costs. The surge comes after the provincial food department failed to procure wheat during March and April, despite having 800,000 bags in reserve.
Reports reveal that instead of purchasing fresh stock, the old wheat reserves were sold off, leaving Balochistan with no strategic supplies. The shortage has fueled a sharp increase in flour prices over the last three weeks, worsening the hardships of families already burdened by inflation.
According to officials, the provincial cabinet approved the clearance of wheat stock over fears of spoilage. However, the disposal at throwaway rates resulted in a staggering Rs 6 billion financial loss for the food department.
The absence of reserves and mismanagement of wheat procurement has sparked fears of a prolonged flour shortage in Balochistan. Analysts warn that if immediate arrangements are not made, the province could face further price hikes and food insecurity.
The crisis underscores Pakistan’s broader struggle with food inflation and wheat supply chain management, particularly in underdeveloped provinces like Balochistan, where the public is most vulnerable to price shocks.
