Pakistan Battles Flour Shortage After Wheat Supply Disruptions Hit Mills

Islamabad: Pakistan, already struggling with a worsening economic crisis, is now staring at a major flour shortage. Several key cities, including the capital Islamabad and Rawalpindi, are expected to be hit hard. Around 45 flour mills are on the brink of shutting down after Punjab's Food Department reportedly halted wheat supplies and transport permits without issuing any formal written order. As a result, most of these mills have nearly run out of wheat stocks.

What did the Pakistan Flour Mills Association say? 

According to reports, the Rawalpindi chapter of the Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) has warned that if wheat supplies are not restored soon, there could be a severe flour shortage in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, and Kotli Sattian. This could lead to black marketing, hoarding, and a sharp price increase.

Are the permits being held?

The Flour Mills Association alleged that the Punjab Food Department did not issue any written order or official notification suspending wheat supply permits. On July 13, the department simply issued this arbitrary decree verbally.

This sudden decision has completely disrupted the regular supply of approximately 8,000 tonnes of wheat to Rawalpindi and Islamabad. These mills, located in Islamabad's industrial areas, are the backbone of these cities' basic food security.

Is the supply affected?

According to the report, until a few days ago, transport permits for approximately 8,000 tons of wheat were being issued regularly to Rawalpindi and Islamabad. This kept the market supplied, but the sudden suspension of permits has disrupted the entire supply chain.

The Rawalpindi Flour Mills Association has stated that if wheat supplies to Islamabad are not restored soon, Rawalpindi mills will also suspend production. The organization stated that the Punjab Food Department will be fully responsible for any resulting situation.

What is PFMA's demand?

Pakistan Flour Mills Association (Punjab) Chairman Riazullah Khan said that Islamabad's flour mills were set up to ensure food security for the capital and the Rawalpindi region. He alleged that wheat supplies have been disrupted several times in recent months, citing various reasons, leaving mill operators in financial distress.

The association has demanded Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's immediate intervention, reinstatement of wheat supply permits, and the resumption of the online permit system. The organization said that this will increase transparency, reduce administrative arbitrariness, and normalize food supplies. If the situation does not improve soon, flour availability in Pakistan's capital and surrounding areas could be affected, leaving ordinary people facing inflation and shortages of essential food items.