Flour Crisis Hits Rawalpindi and Islamabad: What You Need to Know
If you’ve been shopping in Rawalpindi or Islamabad lately, you might have noticed something alarming: a significant flour shortage is taking hold. This issue has arisen due to a ban imposed by the Punjab Food Department on wheat supply to local flour mills, leaving many businesses in disarray.
The Flour Mills Association recently announced that it would halt flour supplies to the twin cities, effective immediately. As a result, all existing orders from local dealers, tandoor owners, and grocery stores have been abruptly canceled. This decision came after a meeting led by Sheikh Tariq Sadiq, Patron-in-Chief of the Rawalpindi Flour Mills Association. The looming crisis is particularly troubling given that both cities rely heavily on wheat sourced from Punjab’s agricultural heartland.
Participants in the meeting voiced their concerns about how this ban could escalate into a full-blown food crisis, given the lack of local wheat production. Without an immediate resumption of wheat permits, the supply chain for flour—which includes essential items like fine flour (maida)—is likely to remain disrupted. Local officials have urged the Punjab Food Department to reconsider its ban to prevent further distress among consumers.
If this situation sounds dire, it’s because it is. Just last month, the Pakistan Naanbai Association highlighted that the prices of flour and fine flour have doubled in the last 18 months. A sack of red flour that used to cost Rs5,500 has soared to Rs11,000, while fine flour prices have similarly jumped from Rs6,200 to Rs12,600.
Shafiq Qureshi, president of the Naanbai Association, has been vocal about the unsustainable nature of these price hikes, stressing that they impact daily life for many families. He pointed out the irony of government promises to provide affordable flour, stating that it’s the tandoor operators and bakers facing the brunt of these skyrocketing costs.
Not only are bakers grappling with higher prices, but they also face harsh penalties from new enforcement measures aimed at regulating prices. As of October 1, over 38 tandoors have been demolished unjustly, and numerous others have faced fines and closures. Frustrated and fed up, the Naanbai Association has demanded a meeting with the Price Control Committee to address these issues urgently.
The situation is evolving, and it’s essential for residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad to stay informed. If you’re in the food industry or simply want to learn more about local economic issues, staying connected is key. For those looking for a reliable source of updates and engagement, consider connecting with Pro21st to stay in the loop and find ways to support local businesses during these challenging times.
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