KP millers see a crisis as wheat supply from Punjab suspended
Flour millers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa warn of a looming flour crisis due to Punjab's unofficial ban on wheat supply, leading to shortages, price hikes, and alleged bribery, violating constitutional trade rights.
- The unofficial ban on wheat supply from Punjab to KP.
- Allegations of heavy bribes for wheat transportation.
- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's significant dependence on Punjab for wheat.
- Rising flour prices and food security concerns in KP.
PESHAWAR: The flour millers expressed grave concerns over suspension of wheat supply from Punjab to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and feared a flour crisis if the ban on wheat movement is not lifted.
The Flour Mills Association District Charsadda Chairman Murshid Ali Khan Advocate while talking to media demanded immediate action from the federal and provincial governments.
He claimed that the Punjab government has unofficially stopped wheat supply to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, creating a serious shortage of wheat and flour in the province.
READ MORE: KP millers threaten to launch protest against ban on wheat supply from Punjab
He said the move is unconstitutional because Article 151 of the Constitution of Pakistan allows free trade and transport of goods between provinces. He further stated that no official notification or government order has been issued regarding the suspension of wheat transport, yet trucks carrying wheat are still being stopped from entering Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Murshid Ali also alleged that heavy bribes are being taken on different routes for wheat transportation.
According to him, one truck of wheat is allowed to enter the province only after paying up to five hundred thousand rupees in bribes, increasing the burden on traders and the public.
He said Khyber Pakhtunkhwa produces around 1 million metric tons of wheat every year, while the province needs more than 5.3 million metric tons annually. Because of this large gap, the province heavily depends on wheat from Punjab.
The association claimed that wheat supply from Punjab has remained disrupted for nearly one and a half years, causing severe financial problems for flour mills across the province.
Murshid Ali said a 20-kilogram flour bag is available in Punjab for around 1700 to 1900 rupees, while the same bag has reached up to 2500 rupees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He warned that if the situation continues, the price could cross 3000 rupees in the coming days.
He appealed to the authorities concerned to take immediate notice of the issue, saying this is not only an issue for flour mill owners but also a matter of food security for the poor people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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