The Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) has warned that the suspension of wheat supply permits for flour mills in Islamabad could create an artificial flour shortage in the federal capital, Rawalpindi and nearby areas. The association said the move comes at a time when flour prices are already increasing, raising concerns about supply and affordability.
According to the PFMA, the Punjab Food Department verbally suspended wheat supply permits on July 13 without issuing any written order or official notification. The association said the sudden decision has disrupted the supply chain and could leave around 45 flour mills in Islamabad without sufficient wheat stocks.
The PFMA stated that flour mills in Islamabad have long depended on wheat supplied from Punjab to meet the flour requirements of Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree and Kotli Sattian. It warned that continued suspension of permits could severely affect flour production and distribution in these areas.
The association said any disruption in wheat supplies could encourage black marketing, create opportunities for corruption and destabilize the local flour market. It added that shortages could also lead to further increases in flour prices, placing an additional burden on consumers.
The PFMA further warned that flour mills in Rawalpindi would suspend operations in solidarity with Islamabad-based mills if the authorities fail to restore wheat supply permits. The association said such a move could significantly affect flour availability across the twin cities.
According to the association, the Punjab Food Department would bear responsibility for any disruption in flour supplies if the current situation continues. It urged the department to immediately restore the issuance of wheat permits to prevent a potential supply crisis.
The PFMA also called on the Punjab Food Department to reactivate the online wheat permit portal without delay, allowing flour mills to obtain permits through the normal process. It said restoring the system would help stabilize supplies and reduce uncertainty in the market.
The association appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to intervene and ensure the immediate resumption of wheat permits, warning that timely action is necessary to prevent a flour crisis in Islamabad and surrounding regions.
Also read: PFMA announces to end protest after agreement with government.
