QUETTA: A severe wheat crisis is unfolding in Balochistan, with flour prices skyrocketing despite the province having held a significant stock just months ago.
Reports indicate that the Balochistan Food Department, which had a stockpile of 800,000 sacks of wheat, did not purchase any new wheat in March or April of this year. Furthermore, the existing stock was sold off at low prices after the provincial cabinet approved the move, citing fears that the wheat would spoil.
This decision to “clean the warehouses” has resulted in a massive loss of approximately 6 billion rupees for the department and has left the province with no strategic wheat reserve. Consequently, the price of a 20 kg bag of flour has surged to 2,300 rupees in the last three weeks, severely impacting the public.
Also read: Massive wheat scandal unveiled in Balochistan
Recently the Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) Balochistan has uncovered a major wheat misappropriation scandal involving officials of the provincial Food Department.
According to the Balochistan news updates, Following the revelation of large-scale embezzlement worth millions of rupees at the PRC Sariab facility, authorities have launched formal action.
According to ACE, the investigation was carried out under the special instructions of Director General Abdul Waheed Kakar and supervised by Deputy Director of Investigation Muhammad Sufian.
Evidence of serious irregularities came to light during the probe.
Initial findings show that 21,221 sacks of wheat—each weighing 100 kilograms—were unlawfully siphoned off, with an estimated total value of roughly 231.86 million rupees.
Officials reported that the former District Food Controller and former Assistant Food Controller were found to be equally complicit in the scheme.
ACE officials stated that both suspects abused their authority, breached public trust, and committed serious acts of corruption.
Balochistan News Updates
Based on strong evidence, cases have been registered against them and they have been taken into custody.
The ACE spokesperson told the media that interrogation of the accused is ongoing and further significant revelations are expected.
Director General Abdul Waheed Kakar reaffirmed the department’s firm resolve to eradicate corruption, calling this operation a practical demonstration of that commitment.
He emphasized that every possible step will be taken to safeguard national resources, noting that corruption remains the biggest obstacle to economic growth.
He added that the provincial government is mobilizing all available resources to strengthen anti-corruption agencies so that the roots of corruption can be eliminated and citizens receive their rightful due.
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Officials also vowed that anyone else found involved in this case will be brought to justice, and that additional measures will be introduced to promote transparency across the province.
