ISLAMABAD – Punjab’s decision to restrict interstate wheat transport has drawn severe criticism from other provinces. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government urged Punjab to lift the ban, warning it disrupts supply chains, raises prices, and threatens food security. KP relies on Punjab for nearly 14,500 tons of wheat daily to meet its needs. Officials said recent partial supplies under 2,000-ton permits are insufficient.
KP authorities expressed frustration that repeated letters from their Chief Secretary, Food Secretary, and Food Director failed to change Punjab’s stance. They noted that the restrictions violate Article 151(1) of Pakistan’s Constitution, which guarantees free trade and movement of goods between provinces. The issue was previously raised at a high-level federal meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, which stressed free movement of wheat under the Interim Wheat Policy 2025.
Read more: KP urges Punjab to lift ban on wheat movement
KP’s Chief Minister, Mohsin Afraidi, condemned the ban as unconstitutional and harmful to the public. He directed officials to demand the immediate removal of restrictions to ensure uninterrupted wheat and flour supply. Authorities said KP consumes around 5.3 million tons of wheat and flour annually, of which only 1.5 million tons are locally produced, relying heavily on supplies from Punjab and other provinces.
Sindh also raised concerns over seed supply. The Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) accused Punjab of blocking wheat seed deliveries, threatening sowing season and reducing overall provincial production. PPP leaders demanded Prime Minister intervention, calling Punjab’s actions discriminatory against Sindh farmers. They claimed suppliers had already been paid, but seed shipments were blocked under Punjab’s directives.
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Tensions between Punjab and Sindh persist, despite apparent federal alliance harmony. PPP criticized recent wheat minimum support price announcements and questioned procurement mechanisms. Punjab government responded sharply, warning PPP leadership against provocative statements. Meanwhile, farmers in both provinces face growing uncertainty over wheat availability and production due to ongoing political disputes.