— 33 thousand tonnes of wheat recovered in raids at 436 places
LAHORE:Punjab Senior & Food Minister Abdul Aleem Khan on Monday said that strict action is being taken against wheat stockpiling across the province as crackdowns are being carried out indiscriminately against the elements involved in this crime.
He revealed that the Punjab Food Department (PFD) has raided 436 places in different districts from where 33,130 tonnes of stored wheat was recovered and seized whereas action is being taken against the accused ones, under the law.
In a high level briefing session of the Food Department here on Monday, Abdul Aleem Khan said that for the last two weeks, strict checks were being carried out on land and river routes of the province with the help of intelligence agencies and Rangers.
He said that the measures have had a positive impact on the ongoing wheat procurement drive and Punjab is going to meet the target of wheat procurement ahead of time.
Aleem Khan said that smuggling and hoarding lead to artificial shortage of wheat which caused an increase in prices and profiteering. He clarified that the violators of the law will be punished at all costs and no leniency will be shown to them.
He said that Punjab would be self-sufficient and not only would meet its requirements but also fulfill the needs of other provinces.
Aleem Khan expressed satisfaction over the performance of the Food Department and directed to submit reports on a daily basis regarding activities against wheat hoarding in Punjab.
