Record flour prices expose Pakistan’s governance failures in Balochistan

Balochistan is facing an unprecedented food crisis, with flour prices skyrocketing to Pakistani Rupees 2,300 for a 20-kilogram bag, placing a basic household staple out of reach for thousands of families already battered by historic inflation, the worsening situation has highlighted glaring gaps in food governance and supply chain management in the province, as reported by The Express Tribune.

According to The Express Tribune, the crisis stems largely from the provincial food department’s mismanagement. Instead of procuring wheat in March and April when grain is cheaper and abundant, the department prioritised clearing nearly 800,000 bags of old stock. Officials defended the move, claiming it was aimed at preventing wastage, but the decision led to catastrophic consequences. The old grain