The Punjab government has suspended District Food Controller-II Fazal Abbas Shahid over a reported shortage of flour in Lahore. Six flour mills have also received show-cause notices, which ask them to explain the allegations against them. Punjab Secretary of Food Safety and Consumer Protection Dr Kiran Khurshid took the action, according to an official handout.
Wheat flour, known as atta, is a daily staple in most Pakistani households, so shortages and irregularities in its supply draw quick public attention. The Lahore flour shortage was first reported as the unavailability of 10kg flour bags at 12 shops. The handout says the investigation into those complaints found that nine of the shops were fictitious, meaning they could not be treated as genuine outlets. Flour supply to the remaining three had been delayed.
Quota suspended and allegations pending
The government wheat quota allocated to the six mills has been suspended. The handout says the mills are allegedly involved in irregularities, so those allegations remain unproven at this stage. Officials have not, in the material released so far, detailed the specific irregularities.
Inquiry and next steps
Dr Khurshid has directed the Director General of Food/Cane Commissioner Punjab, based in Lahore, to investigate the suspended controller and submit a complete report within one week. A comprehensive inquiry into the flour supply system in Lahore has also been launched. Departmental proceedings have begun to determine responsibility.
The secretary said complaints about flour supply in Lahore were being addressed. She said ensuring affordable and transparent flour availability is a government and departmental priority, and that negligence on this front would not be tolerated. The outcome of the inquiry and any decision on the mills' quota will depend on the report due within the week.
Aasan alfaaz mein
Lahore mein atta ki kami ki shikayat par Punjab sarkar ne ek district food controller ko muattal kar diya hai aur chhe flour mills ko show-cause notice jari kiye hain. Jaanch mein 12 mein se 9 dukanein fictitious pai gayi, jabkay teen dukanon par supply mein deri thi. Chhe mills ka wheat quota suspend hai, aur ek hafte mein report aane ke baad agla qadam tay hoga. Aam shehri ke liye matlab yeh hai ke atta ki farahmi aur shafaf supply par nigrani barhayi ja rahi hai.
