LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Monday announced a strict crackdown against illegal wheat hoarding amid the flood situation, giving stockists a three-day deadline to declare their holdings.
The chief minister warned that no leniency would be shown to those exploiting the crisis and directed that legal action be taken against anyone found illegally wheat hoarding . She urged stockists to voluntarily declare their reserves, cautioning that otherwise strict measures would follow.
Maryam Nawaz further instructed authorities to identify all wheat stocks in the province accurately and submit a detailed report. She said certain elements were attempting to create an artificial shortage, stressing that such practices would not be tolerated. She also ordered steps to stabilise wheat and flour prices, including ensuring that official rate lists are prominently displayed at shops, with violators to be penalised.
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Expressing anger over the wastage of wheat in Khanewal during the floods, the chief minister removed the Director General of the Food Department from his post and suspended the District Food Controller (DFC) of Khanewal along with the entire relevant staff for failing to shift wheat stocks to safe locations in time.
