11 September 2004	Saturday	25 Rajab 1425

KARACHI, Sept 10: Second phase of transportation of 100,000 tons of wheat for Sindh from Passco has begun. Out of this, 45,000 tons has been allocated for Karachi and remaining quantity would be distributed in other parts of Sindh as per requirement.

This was stated by Sindh Food and Agriculture Minister Arif Mustafa Jatoi while chairing a meeting held to review the progress of wheat arrivals in the province and other related issues.

The minister stated that 450,000 tons of imported wheat was expected to arrive at the Port Qasim soon. He said that staff of the food department had been deputed to monitor smooth shifting of wheat from Punjab.

Mr Jatoi directed regional heads of the department to complete their preparations for storage and distribution of wheat. The minister asked the secretary food to prepare a comprehensive list of employees of the food department who failed to deposit the amount outstanding against them.

He said they should not expect any leniency, and if they failed to deposit the due amount they would be dismissed from service. He also called for a district-wise report of release of wheat to be submitted to him regularly. -APP