MIRPURKHAS, March 1: The flour crisis persists in the district as 'chakkis' and flour mills have not been provided with their wheat quota, leading to a rise in the flour price.

On Sunday, a protest demonstration, led by Jamil Notkani and Dur Mohammad Khaskheli, was held by residents in the Samaro town against the increase in the flour price. They demanded that the government should reduce the price of flour, which was being sold at Rs20 per kilogramme.

When contacted by this correspondent, Mirpurkhas deputy food director Salim Raza Khero claimed that sufficient quantity of wheat had been provided to 'chakkis' and flour mills. However, he said following directives of the Sindh secretary food, wheat allocation was stopped for 'chakkis' and flour mills. Claiming that there was no flour shortage in the district, he said wheat was available in godowns of the food department but it would be used during flour crisis.

All Pakistan Flour Mill Association, Sindh, vice-president and Mirpurkhas Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Abdul Sattar Chundija said a small quantity of wheat was provided to flour mills, adding that he had privately purchased wheat to meet requirements of his mill.

He maintained that if he depended on the wheat quota from the food department, his mill would be closed. Mirpurkhas Taluka Chakki Association chairman Malik Liaquat Ali and general-secretary Mohammad Hanif said the food department had not provided them with their wheat quota for the current week.

They regretted that seven bags of wheat were provided to each 'chakki' last week which were not sufficient. Reports of flour crisis have also been received from other towns of the district, including Mirwah, Digri, Tando Jan Mohammad, Jhuddo, Naokot, Samaro, Kunri, Talhi, Sofi and Shadi Palli.

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