Minister inspects wheat godown in Nowshera

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakh­tunkhwa Minister for Food Zahir Shah Toru paid a visit to the Azakhel wheat godown in Nowshera yesterday.

Accompanied by Secretary Food Zarif ul Muani and other officials, the minister received a briefing on the wheat procurement process and the measures taken for its safe storage in the warehouse.

During the inspection, Toru highlighted the provincial cabinet’s decision to purchase local wheat, aiming to procure quality wheat while also benefiting the province financially. He disclosed that the cabinet had approved the purchase of 600,000 metric tons of wheat for the year, setting the rate at Rs3,900 per 40 kilograms, aligning with rates set by the federal, Punjab, and Balochistan governments.

In terms of supporting local growers, Toru assured that their interests would be protected. He underscored the government’s commitment to transparency, and discussed the ongoing efforts to digitise administrative affairs in the food department to ensure accountability.

Moreover, Toru announced the formation of a five-member committee comprising officials from the agriculture department, administration, and NAB. The committee is tasked with overseeing procurement, transportation, quality control, and preventing malpractices during the entire procurement process.

Toru reiterated the government’s stance against corruption and promised severe punishment for anyone found engaging in malpractice. He also emphasised Prime Minister Imran Khan’s vision for transparency and urged citizens and the media to collaborate with the government in identifying and reporting corrupt elements.