Syed Ali Shah:
For many families in Quetta and other parts of Balochistan, buying flour has become an everyday worry. A fresh increase in prices has pushed this basic kitchen staple beyond the reach of countless households, hitting daily wage earners and low-income families the hardest. 100kgs flour price jumped from 10,500 to Rs. 14,000 suddenly, Syed Farhatullah, a mill owner revealed.
In crowded markets, shoppers can be seen comparing prices in frustration, while many return home with smaller quantities than usual. “Our income hasn’t increased, but food prices keep going up,” said a labourer at a local market, echoing the concerns of many others.
Shopkeepers and flour sellers blame the hike on supply issues linked to Punjab. According to traders, court-related matters and administrative hurdles in Punjab have disrupted the smooth movement of wheat and flour, creating shortages in Balochistan. Some sellers say they are now receiving limited stock, forcing them to sell at higher prices and restrict sales to just two or three bags per customer—an especially tough blow for poorer buyers.
Balochistan’s Food Minister, Noor Muhammad Dumar has acknowledged the public’s concerns. He stated that the provincial government is closely watching the situation and will contact the chief minister of Punjab to advise against any steps that could interfere with the inter-provincial supply of wheat and flour. “Ensuring smooth movement of food supplies is critical,” he said, stressing that shortages only worsen public suffering.
Meanwhile, citizens are urging the Balochistan Food Department to step in decisively—by stabilizing supplies, monitoring markets, and enforcing price controls. For now, families across the province wait anxiously, hoping for swift action before an essential food item slips even further out of reach.
