KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has directed authorities to launch a crackdown against hoarders in an effort to stabilize flour prices across the province.
The directive was issued during a Sindh Cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister, where officials discussed wheat availability, hoarding, and reforms in the Food Department.
Wheat Shortage Highlighted
During the meeting, officials informed the cabinet that Sindh is expected to face a shortfall of 1.59 million tonnes of wheat during the current fiscal year.
Taking notice of the projected shortage, Murad Ali Shah instructed the relevant authorities to take strict action against hoarders to prevent artificial price hikes and ensure stable flour prices for consumers.
Food Department to Be Digitized
The cabinet also reviewed a proposal to fully digitize the Food Department.
The Chief Minister directed that the processes of wheat procurement, storage, and transportation be integrated into a digital monitoring system to improve transparency and efficiency.
In addition, the Sindh government approved plans to introduce an Integrated Weight Management System to strengthen oversight of wheat handling and distribution.
Committee Formed to Review National Wheat Policy
According to the Chief Minister’s spokesperson, the cabinet examined the draft of the National Wheat Policy 2026–2030 proposed by the federal government.
Murad Ali Shah constituted a committee to conduct a detailed review of the proposed policy. The committee has been tasked with submitting its recommendations to the provincial cabinet within the stipulated timeframe before any final decision is made.
The provincial government says these measures are aimed at improving wheat management, preventing market manipulation, and ensuring a stable supply of flour for the public.
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