Sindh Food Department sacks five officials over Rs2.65b ‘Wheat Corruption Scandal’

• Zero-tolerance drive launched on directives of Minister Makhdoom Mehboob Uz Zaman

• Officials found guilty of wheat misappropriation, shortages and adulteration

• Recovery of over Rs2.65 billion ordered from accused officers under legal provisions

• Cases referred to anti-corruption body for criminal probe and prosecution

 KARACHI: Acting on the clear directives and zero-tolerance policy of Sindh Minister for Food Makhdoom Mehboob Uz Zaman, the Sindh Food Department has taken strict disciplinary action against officials found involved in misappropriation, shortages, illegal handling, adulteration and misuse of government wheat stocks, marking a major push toward transparency, accountability and institutional reform.

In a significant development, five officials of the Sindh Food Department have been dismissed from service after completion of disciplinary proceedings under the Sindh Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 1973. The officials were found guilty of serious irregularities that caused substantial financial losses to the public exchequer and undermined the government’s objective of providing subsidized wheat flour to citizens.

The department has also ordered recovery of more than Rs2.65 billion, including principal and markup, from the concerned officials under relevant laws. The cases have further been referred to the Enquiries and Anti-Corruption Establishment Sindh for criminal investigation, prosecution and recovery of losses. In addition, concerned Deputy Directors Food have been directed to initiate civil suits in competent courts for recovery.

According to official orders, Balakh Sher Shaikh, Food Inspector BS-12 and Incharge PRC Kandhkot, District Kashmore-Kandhkot, has been dismissed over misappropriation of 9,913.952 metric tons of government wheat stock (Crop 2019-20), with total recovery of Rs783,692,800 ordered against him.

Similarly, Habibullah Abro, Food Supervisor BS-09 and Incharge PRC Golarchi, District Badin, was dismissed in connection with shortages of 387 jute bags and 4,289 PP bags of government wheat stock (Crop 2023-24), with recovery of Rs87,945,098 imposed.

Ali Asghar Panhwar, Food Supervisor BS-09 and Incharge PRC Johi, District Dadu, was also dismissed over misappropriation of 28,375 wheat bags, equivalent to 2,837.5 metric tons, with recovery of Rs382,218,525 ordered.

Deedar Hussain Magsi, Food Supervisor BS-09 and Incharge PRC Majeed Keerio, District Shaheed Benazirabad, was dismissed after serious shortages and fake dispatch of wheat stocks were established. The case involved 102,863 PP bags, equivalent to 7,045.603 metric tons, with recovery of Rs1,194,097,661.

In another case, Muhammad Ali Magsi, Food Inspector BS-12 and Incharge PRC Hali Road, District Hyderabad, was dismissed over misappropriation, shortages and adulteration of government wheat stocks. The department found that wheat stocks had been mixed with dust, dirt and other non-edible foreign particles, obstructing lifting by flour mills and atta chakkis. Recovery of Rs208,325,236 has been ordered against him.

Sindh Minister for Food Makhdoom Mehboob Uz Zaman said corruption in the Food Department would not be tolerated under any circumstances. He said wheat is a public asset, and any official involved in misappropriation, illegal issuance of bardana, fake dispatches, adulteration, shortages or misuse of government property will face strict departmental, legal and criminal action.

He added that the Sindh government is committed to ensuring transparent distribution of subsidized wheat and flour to the public, while ongoing reforms are aimed at cleansing the department of corrupt elements through accountability, monitoring, physical verification and legal action.

The minister said the ongoing drive is not merely departmental punishment but a clear message that there is no space for corruption, negligence or dishonesty in the Food Department. He stressed that all officers and officials must perform their duties with integrity, as any compromise on wheat stocks directly impacts food security and the common citizen.

He also appreciated the efforts of the Secretary Food, Director Food, regional officers and inquiry teams for ensuring due process through show-cause notices, personal hearings, verification reports and departmental proceedings.

Reaffirming his stance, the minister said accountability would continue across the province, and all pending cases of wheat shortages, misappropriation and irregularities would be taken to their logical conclusion.