KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has initiated a comprehensive campaign against hoarders and profiteers in response to a projected wheat deficit of 2.11 million metric tonnes by March 2027. During a high-level meeting, it was revealed that enforcement efforts have already recovered over 172,000 metric tonnes of concealed wheat, leading to improved market supply and moderated flour prices across the province.
According to Chief Minister Sindh, the Chief Minister instructed the Food Department to implement measures ensuring a steady wheat and flour supply in Sindh, aiming to prevent price manipulation and artificial shortages. Despite a production of 4.7 million metric tonnes in the 2025-26 season and a carry-forward stock, the province faces a substantial shortfall due to consumption demands and wheat movement outside Sindh. The Chief Minister emphasized the strategic importance of wheat to food security and public welfare, stressing that negligence in maintaining stocks and stabilizing prices would not be tolerated.
The meeting, attended by provincial ministers and officials, included a detailed presentation by the Food Department on wheat production, consumption, and future needs. The presentation revealed that Sindh’s total wheat availability for 2026-27 stands at 4.84 million metric tonnes, yet only 1.23 million metric tonnes are currently available in the supply chain. Approximately 0.61 million metric tonnes remain unaccounted for, prompting the Chief Minister to call for intensified operations against hoarding.
Plans to address the shortfall include a proposal from PASSCO for 220,000 metric tonnes of wheat at Rs4,150 per 40 kilograms, and potential measures such as additional allocations, movement facilitation from Punjab, and imports if necessary. The Chief Minister instructed the preparation of a comprehensive wheat management plan and ordered continued enforcement against hoarding and profiteering, while assuring the public of the government’s commitment to maintaining food security and stable market conditions.