LAHORE, Oct 18: The Punjab government has announced increase in the supply of wheat to the NWFP from 4,000 ton to 5,000 ton daily to help overcome its food problems.

The announcement was made by a special team, led by Punjab Local Government Minister Sardar Dost Muhammad Khan Khosa, during a meeting with NWFP Chief Minister Ameer Haider Khan Hoti, Food Minister Muhammad Shuja Khan and Information and Inter-provincial Coordination Minister Mian Iftikhar at Peshawar on Saturday, says a handout.

Sardar Dost Khosa said the Punjab government was fully aware of the problems being faced by the NWFP due to shortage of flour. He said less wheat was produced in Punjab compared to its fixed target as a result of which it had to face problems this time as well.

He assured Mr Hoti that the Punjab government stood committed to every promise made with the NWFP government and would extend all possible cooperation to improve wheat and flour situation.

Mr Hoti directed the food authorities to take a briefing from the respective officials of the Punjab government on `Sasti Roti Scheme’ so that such a plan could be evolved in the NWFP.

He thanked Punjab CM Mian Shahbaz Sharif for sending a special team to settle matters regarding flour.

Later, Sardar Dost Khosa also called on NWFP Food Minister Muhammad Shuja Khan and Information & Inter-provincial Cooperation Minister Mian Iftikhar. He said the increase in wheat supply would provide relief to the people of the NWFP and help reduce flour price.