Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur has issued directives for a comprehensive wheat procurement plan for the upcoming season. He instructed that the plan be submitted for approval by the provincial cabinet, emphasizing the need for wheat quality assurance and transparency throughout the procurement process.
Furthermore, Gandapur underscored the importance of implementing the provincial government’s decision to reduce the price of wheat bread (roti). He indicated that serious consideration would be given to providing relief to Tandoor owners if they comply with the directive.
The inaugural meeting of the provincial Food Department took place at the Chief Minister’s House in Peshawar, with Gandapur presiding over the proceedings. During the meeting, the department’s mandate, administrative affairs, wheat procurement and supply, available wheat stocks, and various matters pertaining to food safety and the Halal Food Authority were extensively discussed.
Gandapur also instructed the establishment of Model Bazars and Food Streets at all divisional headquarters across the province. The aim is to provide the general public with essential items at government-fixed rates, thereby mitigating problems associated with artificial inflation. He stressed the importance of maintaining high food quality standards and proposed substantial increases in fines for violations, tailored to the scale of the business.
Additionally, Gandapur emphasized enhanced surveillance on the import of adulterated milk and the augmentation of mobile food testing laboratories. He called for rigorous testing of products from factories suspected of producing substandard food items.
To bolster security measures, Gandapur directed all relevant departments to install CCTV cameras at their checkpoints, with necessary funding to be provided by the Finance Department. These measures collectively underscore the government’s commitment to ensuring food safety, quality, and fair pricing for the citizens of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.
Published in The Express Tribune, April 20th, 2024.
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