QUETTA: The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in Balochistan is poised to file a formal reference in the Accountability Court Quetta regarding the historic theft of 700,000 metric tons of wheat from the provincial Food Department, a scandal valued at over Rs 40 billion. This major step follows a prolonged investigation and the recent receipt of mandatory permission from the NAB Chairman.
According to sources, the final approval was granted on November 8, 2025, after NAB Balochistan obtained the chairman’s consent in the October-November 2025 period. The scale of the theft is monumental, with the missing quantity equivalent to an estimated 7 million sacks of wheat, highlighting a massive alleged embezzlement within the department’s food reserves.
The case casts a wide net, implicating more than 80 individuals. The accused include a former Food Secretary, various Directors, District Food Controllers, and Silos in-charges, alongside a number of contractors and private individuals. This suggests a complex network allegedly involved in the systematic plunder of essential food supplies.
In connecting the case to broader provincial issues, NAB sources have stated that the growing trend of corruption is directly linked to the unrest and instability in Balochistan. They emphasized that fearless looting by corrupt elements can only be prevented through robust and effective accountability processes. The impending court reference marks a critical juncture in the high-profile case, signaling the bureau’s intent to legally pursue those allegedly responsible for one of the most significant financial scandals in the province’s recent history.
Meanwhile in separate development unchecked and rampant deforestation is devastating the natural forests of Balochistan, with environmental experts warning of an ecological catastrophe if immediate action is not taken. Daily felling of precious Chilgoza and olive trees in regions like Sherani and Zhob is rapidly depleting forest cover, with government authorities appearing silent spectators.
The destruction is stripping the land of its natural climate moderators and destroying vital wildlife habitats. Environmentalists directly link this loss to intensifying climate change across the province. The rampant tree-cutting is disrupting rainfall patterns, exacerbating drought conditions, and accelerating land erosion, creating a cycle of environmental degradation that threatens agriculture and water resources.
