Wheat Crisis Worsens Across Balochistan as Flour Prices Surge
QUETTA:The wheat crisis has intensified across Balochistan, including the provincial capital Quetta, as delays in government wheat procurement have contributed to rising flour prices.
According to sources, the Balochistan government has so far been unable to purchase even 100,000 bags of wheat from the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO). Talks between the Balochistan Food Department and PASSCO have reportedly been ongoing for several months without a final agreement.
Meanwhile, market sources said the price of a 20-kilogram bag of flour in Quetta has reached Rs3,330.
In Khuzdar, Chagai, Washuk, Kech and other districts, the price of a 50-kilogram bag of flour has exceeded Rs8,000, placing an additional financial burden on residents.
Balochistan Food Secretary said negotiations with PASSCO were underway to purchase wheat.
He added that determining flour prices and ensuring compliance with officially fixed rates fell within the responsibilities of the Industries Department and deputy commissioners.
The worsening situation has raised concerns about the availability and affordability of a staple food across the province as residents face sharply rising flour prices.
Clarify the procurement shortfallStrengthen the opening paragraph
