The federal government constituted a special team of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to investigate into the prevailing wheat crisis across the country.

The FIA deputy director will head the team to determine the persons responsible for the crisis and the role played by the government officials in the matter.

The team will inquire about the moment of wheat bought by the mills and the amount of wheat flour produced.

However, a report will prepare on the total production of wheat.

The surplus amount of wheat and a list of the individuals who purchased the commodity from the open market.

Crackdown against profiteers

The city administration on Wednesday fined at least three flour mills for selling the commodity at Rs76 per kg against the official rate of Rs45 in Lahore.

The Punjab government has launched a province-wide crackdown on wheat hoarders and profiteers to control wheat flour prices.

The provincial government has decided to take strict action against those involved in creating artificial shortage of flour.

Flour mills on strike in Punjab

Moreover, an indefinite strike has been announced across Punjab province.

The strike announced to lodge a protest against what chakki owners call the district administration’s continued “crackdown”.

According to the Atta Chakki Owners Association, raids carried out by the administration despite full cooperation by the wheat grinders.

“Our members harassed by filing cases against them,” said ACOA Secretary General Abdul Rahman.

He said their members wish to sell wheat flour in line with instructions of the administration.

‘No flour crisis’

Punjab Auqaf Minister Syed Saeedul Hassan Shah has said the Food Department conducts an inspection of flour mills across the province.

Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar directs to do so.

He said this during a meeting with the members and leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Wednesday.

“There is no flour crisis in Punjab and instructions to stabilise flour price have already been issued by the chief minister,” he added.