Punjab Restores Wheat Supply Permits for Islamabad Flour Mills
ISLAMABAD: The Punjab Food Department has resumed issuing wheat supply permits to flour mills operating in Islamabad, providing relief to the industry after a temporary disruption that had raised concerns about flour availability in the region.
According to representatives of the flour milling sector, wheat permits for approximately 45 mills in the federal capital have been reinstated following discussions between Islamabad authorities and officials from the Punjab Food Department.
Industry representatives said the earlier suspension had created uncertainty for mill owners, who rely on wheat supplies from Punjab to meet demand in Islamabad and surrounding areas.
Wheat Supply Resumes
Officials informed mill owners during a meeting that the temporary restriction on wheat permits had been withdrawn. Wheat supplies will now continue under the existing coordination mechanism through the Rawalpindi office.
The Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) welcomed the decision, noting that flour mills located in Islamabad’s industrial areas play an important role in supplying flour to Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, and nearby regions.
Association officials added that Islamabad’s flour mills have traditionally been regulated through the Rawalpindi office of the Punjab Food Department and have continued to comply with government procedures, including the department’s online permit system.
The industry expressed hope that wheat supplies would now continue without interruption, helping ensure a stable flour supply for consumers.
Security Measures to Prevent Wheat Smuggling
Separately, authorities have strengthened efforts to curb illegal wheat transportation by establishing nine monitoring checkpoints across Rawalpindi district.
A security plan has also been introduced, with police personnel assigned to the checkpoints alongside food department officials. Authorities said police deployment will take place only when food department staff are present at the designated locations.
The checkpoints have been established at key routes in the Potohar, Saddar, Taxila, Wah Cantt, Kahuta, Kallar Syedan, Fateh Jhang, and surrounding areas.
Officials stated that police personnel assigned to these locations will receive security briefings, use operational communication equipment, and wear protective gear while performing their duties.
The enhanced monitoring initiative is intended to discourage wheat smuggling, support lawful transportation of grain, and help maintain a consistent supply for flour mills and consumers across the region.
