Why Was No FIR Registered Over the De-Sealing of a Government Wheat Warehouse? Balochistan High Court Angered Over Food Department’s Alleged Collusion and Incompetence
Secretary and DG Food Summoned in Person; Details of Stocks, Warehouses and Embezzlement Sought; Strict Notice Taken of Government Negligence Amid Food Crisis in the Province
QUETTA (Daily Qudrat Quetta): The Balochistan High Court, during the hearing of a constitutional petition concerning the government wheat stock, custody of warehouses and administrative matters, has directed the Secretary and Director General of the Food Department to appear in person at the next hearing and submit comprehensive reports. On 27 October 2026, a two-member bench comprising Justice Iqbal Ahmed Kasi and Justice Mian Muhammad Rafi Ata heard the petition.
During the hearing, the court expressed concern over the matter of a government wheat warehouse allegedly being de-sealed and the stock therein taken into possession, and, declaring the explanation of the Food Department director unsatisfactory, sought the reasons and details for why an FIR was not registered regarding the alleged incident.
The court ordered that verified details of the current stock and its locations in government wheat warehouses across Balochistan be presented. In addition, the names and designations of the officers responsible for the custody, monitoring and protection of the warehouses were also sought.
The two-member bench also sought details from the Food Department of the procedure for the purchase, storage, sale and distribution of wheat, the determination of prices and the legal rules enforced in this regard. The court directed that inspection reports, stock registers, official correspondence and the record of departmental action regarding the alleged incident be presented.
The court inquired why an FIR was not registered despite the alleged incident, and whether the matter was sent to the police or any other competent forum or not. Details regarding the current stock of the wheat under discussion, its lawful custody and possible sale or transfer were also sought.
The court directed that a report be presented on the measures taken to ensure transparent, lawful and accountable management of the government wheat stock, and adjourned further hearing of the case until 12 November 2026.
