•Despite official denial, lower the exit point setting of the movement at the provincial exit point
•KP rises 68% of flour prices; 20 kg bag hits Rs 2,800
•KP assembly through Punjab’s move through consistent resolution
Lahore: Punjab without notice prohibit In the inter-provincial wheat movement, wheat triggered a new crisis, leading to victory flour shortages and high prices in other provinces.
This move makes people keen criticize Violation of constitutional rights and recent deregulation agreements from politicians and flour millers.
Punjab officials deny They acknowledge the establishment of checkpoints to curb what they call the “abnormal” wheat movement. However, critics believe that these measures violate the spirit of a deregulated market.
The ban has been strongly condemned by other provinces, especially Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh, which largely depends on the wheat supply in Punjab.
The All-Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) marks the policy with Article 151 of the Constitution, which guarantees trade and commerce freedoms across the country.
Riazullah Khan, president of the Punjab Powder Factory Association, said checkpoints at the province’s exit points are blocking the transport of wheat and flour to other regions. He said the actions go against deregulation policies, which promised unrestricted trade and wheat movements.
Due to restrictions, flour prices soar in provinces such as KP, where flour currently sells for as high as Rs 2,800, compared to about Rs 1,800 in Punjab. This puts an unbearable burden on low-income families who are already struggling with inflation.
KP Governor Faisal Karim Kundi publicly condemned the ban, calling it a “blatant violation of Article 151” and a “serious violation of national unity.” The KP parliament also adopted a unanimous resolution condemning Punjab’s restrictions on wheat support, citing a 68% increase in flour prices in the province.
This is not a new phenomenon, but a recurring problem, whenever wheat is short, it is usually caused by natural disasters caused by floods (such as floods) or due to insufficient or poor quality farm inputs, specific URGA and DAP fertilizers. The country witnessed the same problem in 2020, 2022 and 2023.
Punjab relegated the issue when it traditionally purchased and stocked more than 4 million tunes to stabilize prices and ensure annual availability of the grains, Punjab relegated the issue under international agreements.
Government position and market reality
Punjab officials insist that restrictions are necessary to ensure food security in the province and combat holocaust and smuggling.
They believe that preventing wheat from being transferred to supply factories at an inflated price or being sold to other provinces is crucial to ensuring a stable supply to local consumers.
They also pointed to the National Finance Council Award, under which each province is responsible for its own food security and should not blame other federal units for their shortages.
But Miller and market analysts believe the policy is counterproductive. They believe the ban will create artificial shortages, causing market instability and pushing up prices across the country.
The Pakistan Institute of Development Economics (PIDE) has always advocated a deregulated wheat market, believing that provincial movements that are only created and corruption are prohibited.
Majid Abdullah, president of Progressive Flour Mill Group, warned that the private sector would be reluctant to invest in the wheat industry next season if the so-called out-of-control market administrative measures continue.
This could force the government to import cereals much higher than what is available locally. Abdullah stressed the irony of the situation, noting that the Punjabi authorities have previously encouraged private investment and even provided bank loans to provide large quantities of cereals during the harvest season.
He added that without proper legal protection, the deregulation process remains uncertain and easily reversed by future governments, which could make private investments in storage facilities worthless.
“Stability in the market requires consistency, thorough policy and protection by appropriate legislation,” Abdullah said.
The peasant’s plight
The ban also had a ripple effect on farmers. While the government aims to ensure stable prices for consumers, its actions are seen as a suppression of farmers.
If they can’t get a fair price for wheat, they may grow other crops in the upcoming season, which could lead to a significant drop in domestic production and force the country to rely on expensive imports.
Mr Abdullah warned that administrative efforts to control prices, especially the next Sisen approach, would dissuade farmers from growing wheat indecisively after failing to obtain good produce in the past two seasons.
This situation underscores the deep tension between the government’s desire to control public prices and the free market principle that is essential for a healthy agricultural economy.
Under pressure from affected provinces, the federal government is now urging intervention and restoration of free flow of wheat to avoid a full-scale food crisis.
Posted at Dawn on September 17, 2025
