PFMA Warns of Flour Shortage in Islamabad, Rawalpindi

The Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) has warned that the suspension of wheat supply permits for flour mills in Islamabad could trigger an artificial flour shortage in the twin cities and surrounding areas, as flour prices continue to rise.

The association said the Punjab Food Department verbally suspended wheat supply permits on July 13 without issuing a written order or official notification. It warned that nearly 45 flour mills in Islamabad could run out of wheat if the department does not restore the permits.

According to the PFMA, flour mills in Islamabad have long relied on wheat supplies from Punjab to meet flour demand in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree and Kotli Sattian. The association warned that any disruption in supplies could encourage black marketing, increase the risk of corruption and destabilize the local flour market.

The PFMA also said flour mills in Rawalpindi would suspend operations in solidarity with Islamabad based mills if the authorities failed to restore wheat supplies. It warned that the Punjab Food Department would bear responsibility for any disruption in flour availability.

The association urged the Punjab Food Department to immediately resume wheat permits and restore access to the online permit portal. It also appealed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to intervene and prevent a flour crisis in the federal capital.