KARACHI, April 21: Sindh Minister for Food and Agriculture Arif Mustafa Jatoi has taken serious note of the imposition of Section 144 in Punjab districts restricting wheat movement.

In a statement issued here on Wednesday, Mr Jatoi cautioned that the action taken by the Punjab government would have adverse effect and create instability in the market. He said the provinces had to follow the guidelines and policies formulated by the federal government. "Any unilateral action by provinces can negatively affect the provincial harmony and integrity," he added.

The minister termed the Punjab government's action contrary to the policy of the federal government which, he said, had clearly declared wheat as a freely movable commodity. In the light of the guidelines and policy formulated by the federal government, Sindh had adopted a free market policy which was benefiting farmers, he pointed out. "Imposition of Section 144 is morally and legally wrong."

Mr Jatoi requested the federal government to mediate into the matter immediately and to ensure implementation of its policies by all the provinces equally. "It is the function of the federal government to stabilize the market and to ensure uniform supply of wheat throughout Pakistan." He pointed out that procurement price, selling price, import and export policies were all decided by the federal government. -APP