Restrictions on Wheat Transportation Worsen Flour Crisis in Balochistan, Flour Mills Association Voices Serious Concern

**Quetta (Daily Qudrat Quetta):** The Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) Balochistan Region has expressed grave concern over the worsening flour crisis in the province due to restrictions on the transportation of wheat. Provincial Chairman of PFMA Balochistan, Abdul Waheed Baloch, said that the absence of locally available wheat and the imposition of unnecessary and illegal barriers on wheat supply from other provinces have significantly intensified the crisis.

Abdul Waheed Baloch stated that customs officials at Notal are stopping various vehicles, including those transporting wheat to flour mills and shopkeepers in Balochistan, where it is later supplied to markets in the form of flour. He said that the obstruction of vehicles on the National Highway is creating serious difficulties for traders as well as the general public.

He further explained that vehicles are being held at different check posts on various pretexts, which is increasing operational costs for flour mills. This additional financial burden is ultimately passed on to consumers, resulting in higher prices and a growing shortage of flour in local markets.

The PFMA provincial chairman urged the government and concerned authorities to immediately lift these unnecessary restrictions, ensure smooth and uninterrupted transportation of wheat, and take urgent measures to restore flour supply across Balochistan so that the public is not forced to face further hardship.