LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif chaired a special meeting to review the issue of illegal wheat hoarding amid the ongoing flood situation in the province.
During the meeting, she ordered strict action against those involved in illegally storing wheat. However, she announced a three-day grace period for stockpilers to voluntarily declare their wheat stocks. After the deadline, legal action will be taken against anyone who fails to comply.
Maryam Nawaz approved a proposal that no action would be taken against those who honestly report their stocks within the given time. She stressed the need for accurate identification and reporting of wheat stockpiles across Punjab.
The Chief Minister warned that those exploiting the flood crisis to create an artificial wheat shortage would face strict consequences. She said the government will enforce its writ to protect public interests and maintain stability in the wheat and flour markets.
In a related development, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz suspended District Food Controller (DFC) Sufyan Asif Awan and six staff members after a major wheat scam came to light. The food department’s director general and secretary were also removed from their posts.
— ALSO READ —
Lunch box checks essential to stop drugs in schools, says IHC
According to media sources, an inquiry team reviewed records and collected samples from several food centres, uncovering large-scale irregularities.
Several hundred thousand maunds of wheat were allegedly turned “black,” with reserves worth millions of rupees disappearing.
Significant wheat stocks were also reported lost in the recent floods. These findings have been included in the charge sheet against the DFC and his team.
At an emergency press conference, Punjab’s Information Minister admitted that the food department was directly responsible for the massive losses.
He said earlier reports had repeatedly flagged corruption, especially in Khanewal, where officials were accused of diverting public resources. Despite these warnings, higher authorities had failed to take timely action, he added.
