TAXILA: The district food department, in collaboration with local administration and Punjab Flour Mills Association (PFMA) is providing 19,540 flour bags daily on subsidised rates of Rs880 in the twin cities of Taxila and Wah Cantt in connection with intensified measures to ensure the uninterrupted availability of flour at officially notified prices during the holy month of Ramzan.

Assistant Food Controller Azhar Balouch, while briefing newsmen about the measures taken by the food department at Ramzan bazaar, Taxila, on Sunday, said that comprehensive arrangements have been implemented to provide maximum relief to citizens by maintaining adequate stocks of flour in urban and rural areas of the twin cities of Taxila and Wah.

He said that 10 truck points are established in various parts of public areas to supply bags of 10 kg to consumers at subsidised rates during Ramzan so far.

He said that as many as 284 dedicated fair price shops are also established in the twin cities of Taxila and Wah as part of its Ramazan relief initiative to ensure the availability of flour at controlled and subsidised rates throughout the tehsil.

“The move is part of the government’s broader efforts to control prices and provide essential commodities at affordable rates during Ramadan.

The food department’s initiative is seen as a significant step towards achieving this goal”, Mr Balouch added. Responding to a question regarding ensuring the quality of the flour, he said that the samples of the flour were being collected and sent to laboratories, while one flour mill has been imposed a fine on provision of low quality flour.

He emphasised that strict monitoring mechanisms are in place to guarantee that consumers receive quality commodities at government-approved rates. He urged the public to take advantage of the subsidised flour rates and assured that supplies would be available at the designated sale points.

The initiative is expected to benefit a large number of people across the twin cities of Taxila and Wah.

He said that a 10-kilogram flour bag is being provided at Rs880 in Ramzan bazaars, truck points and fair price shops, which is significantly lower than prevailing open market prices.

Similarly, sugar is being supplied at Rs140 per kilogram, ensuring affordability for the general public. Responding to another question, he said that routine flour supplies at retail outlets across Punjab will continue as usual to prevent any disruption in the open market.

Published in Dawn, March 3rd, 2026