LAHORE: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) Punjab Kisan Wing Secretary General Ijaz Shafi on Thursday expressed concern over the rising prices of wheat and flour, alleging that the Punjab government’s claims of ensuring affordable flour for consumers are not reflected in the market.
In a statement, Mr Shafi says the flour bags which were earlier being sold at official price are no longer available in most markets of the province.
He claims that a 10kg flour bag is being sold in the market at more than Rs1,200, while a 20kg bag, officially priced at Rs2,200, is being sold at up to Rs2,500 in the open market. Similarly, he says, the price of a 15kg flour bag has increased from around Rs1,500 to Rs1,950.
Mr Shafi claims the government had fixed the official price of roti between Rs14 and Rs17, but consumers are paying between Rs20 and Rs25 for it, while a naan is being sold at Rs35.
Questioning the Punjab government’s claim of a “bumper” wheat crop this year, the PTI leader says if it is true, why dose the provincial government purchased one million metric tonnes of wheat from the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services (Passco) just two months after the harvest?
He adds that private companies have already sought permission from Punjab government for wheat import in order to meet shortages in winter season, whereas the flour mills associations have also advised the authorities concerned to take a timely decision about wheat import.
Mr Shafi says a wheat board meeting had warned of a possible wheat shortfall of 3.5 million tonnes, while the Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) had cautioned that delays in policy decisions could result in a flour shortage by end of the year.
He further claims that the wheat prices have risen to around Rs1,200 per maund above the official support price, increasing production costs for flour mills and contributing to higher flour and bread prices.
The PTI Kisan wing leader alleges that the government’s policies are benefiting middlemen and traders rather than farmers and consumers. He also criticised the authorities for failing to curb hoarding and ensure the availability of wheat at stable prices.
Calling for immediate intervention, Mr Shafi urged the government to restore the wheat supply chain, take action against hoarders, and provide relief to farmers through subsidies on fertilizers, seed and electricity.
He says that stabilising agricultural input costs and improving market oversight are essential to addressing the ongoing wheat and flour crisis.
Published in Dawn, July 17th, 2026