Published on: September 10, 2025 3:45 AM
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has ordered a province-wide crackdown against illegal wheat hoarding, warning that no leniency will be shown to profiteers exploiting the flood crisis.
Chairing a special meeting here on Tuesday, the CM granted a three-day grace period for stockpilers to voluntarily declare their wheat holdings. She directed that strict legal action be taken against those who fail to comply with after the deadline. However, she approved the proposal that no punitive measures would be taken against those who truthfully disclose their stocks.
The chief minister underscored the importance of accurate reporting and identification of wheat stocks, saying that elements attempting to create artificial shortages would be dealt with firmly. “The writ of the government must be established to protect public interests and ensure stability in the wheat and flour markets,” she said.
She directed the Punjab Enforcement and Regulatory Authority (PERA) to conduct continuous inspections across the province and to ensure government price lists are prominently displayed at all retail outlets. Stern action, she warned, would be taken against violators.
In response to the loss of wheat stockpiles in Khanewal due to flooding, Maryam Nawaz Sharif expressed strong indignation. She ordered immediate disciplinary action against responsible officials. The Director General of the Food Department was removed from office, while the District Food Controller (DFC) of Khanewal and the entire local food staff were suspended for failing to secure wheat stocks in time.
The CM said that all resources must be mobilized to detect hoarders and ensure timely action against them. She stressed that the government is committed to maintaining stable wheat and flour prices across Punjab despite the challenges posed by the ongoing floods.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has directed that tents be provided on an urgent basis to flood-affected families to protect them from possible rains in vulnerable districts.
On her special instructions, the distribution of tents and other essential relief items is underway in various districts. The chief minister informed that 2,500 tents had already been dispatched to Jalalpur, another 2,500 were being sent to Rahim Yar Khan, while 1,000 tents had been dispatched to Rajanpur. She emphasized that these supplies must reach the victims before evening to ensure timely relief.
On the special directions of Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the district administration of Rahim Yar Khan successfully evacuated 7,000 residents from flood-prone areas to protect them from potential danger.
The large-scale operation was supervised by Commissioner Bahawalpur and Deputy Commissioner Rahim Yar Khan.
Authorities briefed the Chief Minister that the evacuation was completed with the help of 24 boats, ensuring the safe relocation of all affected families. They further informed the CM that 12 flood relief camps have been set up in the district to accommodate the victims. The administration has also taken measures to ensure proper sanitation and fumigation in the camps to prevent the outbreak of infectious diseases. Additionally, Clinic-on-Wheels units have been stationed near the relief camps to provide medical care and treatment facilities to the flood-affected people.
CM Maryam Nawaz appreciated the timely efforts of the administration and reiterated her government’s commitment to safeguard the lives and well-being of citizens during the ongoing flood crisis.
