WHILST the people are greatly suffering due to constant increase in the prices of wheat flour, it is unfortunate to see the federal and Sindh governments indulging in blame game against each other over the crisis. Addressing a news conference on Monday, Minister for Information and Broadcasting accused the Sindh government of the flour crisis saying the provincial government is not releasing its share of commodity to benefit the people. He went on to say that the Sindh government created a situation forcing the people to buy expensive flour. Reacting to his remarks, Sindh Information Minister Nasir Hussain Shah accused the Punjab government of having nexus with the hoarders.
Wheat flour is a major staple food in our country and incessant increase in its price is a matter of concern for the public at large. Instead of indulging in the useless blame game it is time for the federal and provincial governments to sit together and find solution to the problem while rising above their political point scoring. There is no denying the fact that the benefit of this sharp increase in the price of wheat flour has not reached the farmers but only a few hoarders and profiteers who always appear to be sitting ready to rob the pockets of poor consumers. The same has been witnessed in the case of sugar prices. Despite probe into flour and sugar crisis, there is no relief in sight for the common man. Prime Minister Imran Khan chaired a meeting on Monday in which the availability of wheat as well as measures to contain its prices was discussed. One cannot doubt the intentions of the Prime Minister who has always shown his concern for the poor lot but time has come to take concrete action on the ground to protect them from these hoarders and profiteers. Strict action should be taken against them as per the law without any discrimination. A countrywide crackdown should immediately be launched against them creating artificial shortage of the commodity.
