KP officials say restrictions on inter-provincial wheat transportation have increased prices and disrupted the country’s wheat market.
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Special Assistant for the Food Department, Dr. Muhammad Israr, alongside KP Information Minister Shafi Jan Kakakhel, said on Monday that restrictions on inter-provincial wheat transportation have significantly impacted wheat prices and supply across Pakistan.
Speaking at a press conference, Dr. Israr said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa relies heavily on Punjab to meet its annual wheat demand. He noted that the province requires nearly 3.8 million metric tons of wheat each year, while local production remains insufficient to meet consumption needs.
According to the provincial government, Punjab produces around 22 million metric tons of wheat annually, leaving an estimated 7 million metric tons surplus after meeting its own requirements. Officials said this surplus is sufficient to supply both Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh.
Dr. Israr alleged that the Punjab government’s wheat policy has disrupted the national wheat market. He claimed that barriers to inter-provincial wheat transportation have driven up prices in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while policy decisions have also contributed to rising wheat prices within Punjab.
The officials further said that strict inspections of wheat-laden vehicles traveling from Punjab to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and additional transportation costs have increased the market price of wheat. They maintained that restrictions on wheat movement have not only affected Khyber Pakhtunkhwa but have also had broader economic consequences for the entire country.
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