A severe flour crisis is unfolding in Rawalpindi and Islamabad as the Punjab Food Department has abruptly halted wheat supplies to local mills. This decision has triggered panic in the markets and raised concerns about food security in the region. The suspension of wheat deliveries has compounded existing economic challenges, including transport blockades and water shortages, leading to fears of a nationwide crisis.

Dealers reported that all orders for flour, wheat, and fine flour were cancelled starting Friday night, leaving shops and tandoor owners without stock. The Rawalpindi Flour Mills Association convened an emergency meeting to address the situation, warning that “production will remain paralysed” unless wheat permits are reinstated immediately. They described the ban as “ill-considered” and cautioned that it could escalate into a humanitarian emergency in the capital and surrounding areas.

Flour prices have surged dramatically, causing frustration among bakers and retailers. The Pakistan Naanbai Association revealed that the cost of a 79-kilogram sack of red flour has skyrocketed from PKR 5,500 to PKR 11,000 since the current government took office. Fine flour, essential for bread and bakery products, has seen a similar increase, rising from PKR 6,200 to PKR 12,600. Shafiq Qureshi, president of the association, accused the government of “state oppression,” stating that many tandoors have been shut down or fined for raising prices in response to the soaring flour costs. He expressed concern that families are struggling as bread becomes increasingly unaffordable.

The transport situation is also dire, with routes blocked due to strained relations with Afghanistan. Thousands of trucks carrying essential goods are stranded, leaving drivers without food, water, or security. Imdad Hussain Naqvi, Senior Vice Chairman of the Goods Transport Association, highlighted the broader implications, stating, “This is not just a loss for transporters; it's a loss for the entire state.” He warned that perishable goods are spoiling on the highways, putting many workers at risk of starvation.

This wheat crisis follows a recent reduction in water flow from India, which has led to declining water levels in key dams like Mangla and Tarbela. Pakistan faces significant challenges in agricultural water management, with the World Bank noting that inefficient irrigation practices contribute to severe water waste. The situation remains critical as the country grapples with these interconnected issues affecting food supply and security.