KARACHI: Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Tuesday directed the Food Department and district administrations to launch an immediate and stringent crackdown against wheat hoarding and profiteering, warning that artificial shortages and market manipulation would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Meeting on Wheat Availability
Presiding over a high-level meeting at the Chief Minister's House to review wheat availability, stock position, and market trends, CM Shah asserted that the government would take all necessary measures to ensure an uninterrupted supply of wheat and flour across the province at reasonable prices. The meeting was attended by Provincial Minister for Food Makhdoom Mehboob uz Zaman, Minister for Excise Mukesh Kumar Chawla, Minister for Agriculture Muhammad Bakhsh Khan Mehr, Minister for Irrigation Jam Khan Shoro, Advisor for Rehabilitation Gian Chand Israni, Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah, and other senior officials.
Record Production but Widening Gap
Briefing CM Shah, the food minister revealed that Sindh had produced a record 4.8 million metric tonnes of wheat during the 2025-26 crop season. However, the province's annual requirement stands at 6.53 million metric tonnes, exposing a yawning gap between demand and supply. According to the presentation, Sindh has a total of 4.94 million metric tonnes of wheat available, including carry-over stock. But factoring in consumption from April to June and wheat moved to other provinces, the province could face a shortfall of approximately 2.1 million metric tonnes by March 2027 if market supply does not continue.
Food Department Stocks and National Balance
The food minister informed the meeting that the Food Department currently holds a total of 0.2218 million metric tonnes of wheat, including carry-over stocks and new purchases. The meeting was told that Pakistan's overall net wheat balance stands at 24.39 million metric tonnes, of which an estimated 12.2 million metric tonnes is held by farmers and households. Officials said only a limited portion of these stocks is visible in the market, with around 2.5 million metric tonnes in Punjab and 1 million metric tonnes in Sindh being traceable, while nearly 9.5 million metric tonnes remains outside the regular market system.
CM's Warning Against Hoarders
Expressing grave concern, CM Shah said, "hidden stocks can place unnecessary pressure on the market and encourage speculation. The government will not allow hoarders and profiteers to exploit the public by creating artificial shortages. Wheat is a strategic commodity, and its availability will be ensured at all costs." The meeting reviewed wheat price trends across the country and was informed that prices had seen a significant surge in recent months.
