Section 144 imposed to curb illegal wheat movement in Balochistan

QUETTA: The Balochistan government has enforced Section 144 in border districts to restrict the movement of wheat and has ordered action against those involved in illegal transportation and hoarding, according to officials.

The provincial Home Department issued a notification announcing strict steps to prevent the unlawful movement and stockpiling of wheat. Under the order, authorities have been directed to move immediately against violators and seize wheat found to have been stored illegally.

According to the notification, Section 144 has been imposed in border areas to stop wheat smuggling and hoarding. It said legal action would be taken against individuals found hiding, storing or possessing wheat beyond the permitted limit.

The order also assigns a central role to district administrations in implementing the restrictions. Deputy commissioners have been instructed to search suspected warehouses, examine transport documents and confiscate wheat that is being moved or stored in violation of the law.

The measures took effect immediately after the issuance of the notification and will remain in place for two months, the Home Department said.

Crackdown ordered in border districts

Officials said the government has also launched a crackdown targeting those who may be found involved in the illegal transportation and hoarding of wheat in the province’s border districts.

The move is aimed at restricting unauthorised wheat movement in sensitive border areas, where the government has now empowered local authorities to carry out inspections and enforcement under Section 144.

The notification makes clear that action will not be limited to transport alone, but will also cover concealed stocks and storage beyond the allowed threshold. In practical terms, this means district officials have been told to identify suspected storage sites, verify whether wheat consignments are backed by valid documents and take possession of stocks deemed illegal under the order.

The latest decision places immediate legal restrictions on wheat handling in the affected areas and gives the administration a two-month window to enforce the measures announced by the provincial government.

No further details were provided in the official notification carried by officials beyond the scope of the restrictions, the enforcement powers granted to deputy commissioners and the duration of the order.