A severe flour crisis has gripped Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, leaving millions of residents struggling to secure basic food supplies as a deepening rift between federal and provincial governments disrupts wheat distribution.
Federal-Provincial Standoff Escalates
The crisis stems from an ongoing dispute between the federal government and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's administration over wheat supply allocations. The federal government has failed to release 50,000 metric tons of wheat to the province, despite previous agreements and the province's urgent requirements.
This deadlock has created a critical situation where flour mills are operating below capacity, and shops are displaying empty shelves. The province's food department has been unable to maintain adequate stock levels, leading to panic buying and skyrocketing prices in local markets.
Impact on Daily Life and Prices
Ordinary citizens are bearing the brunt of this political impasse. Flour prices have surged dramatically, with a 20kg bag now costing between Rs 3,200 to Rs 3,600 compared to the official rate of Rs 2,700. This represents a significant burden for low-income families who depend on flour as their primary food source.
Long queues have become commonplace outside shops and distribution centers, with many residents returning empty-handed after hours of waiting. The situation has particularly affected daily wage workers and vulnerable communities who cannot afford the inflated prices in the open market.
Political Blame Game Intensifies
Both sides have engaged in a bitter blame game, with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's government accusing federal authorities of deliberately withholding wheat supplies. Provincial ministers have claimed that the federal government is using food security as a political weapon against the province.
Federal officials, meanwhile, have cited administrative and logistical challenges, though provincial authorities reject these explanations as excuses. The dispute has exposed deeper political tensions between the ruling parties at federal and provincial levels, with food security becoming collateral damage in this power struggle.
The continuing standoff threatens to escalate into a full-blown humanitarian crisis if not resolved immediately. With Ramadan approaching, when flour consumption traditionally increases, the situation could deteriorate further, affecting millions more households across the province.
