KP procuring wheat despite economic challenges: minister

PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Food, Zahir Shah Toru, has said that despite ongoing economic challenges, the KP government has commenced the procurement of 300,000 metric tons of wheat worth approximately Rs29 billion.

The procurement began on May 7 and is scheduled to continue for two months. Toru conveyed these remarks during his visit to the wheat godown and procurement centre in Abbottabad, while being accompanied by MPA Iftikhar Jadoon.

Emphasising the government’s dedication to providing relief to local farmers amidst economic difficulties, the minister stressed the importance of transparency in the procurement process. The district food controller of Abbottabad briefed the minister on the arrangements made for wheat procurement, including the installation of CCTV cameras in the godown with a storage capacity of 18,000 metric tons of wheat.

The minister instructed officials to adhere to the principles of “first come, first served” in the wheat procurement process. He underscored that the decision to purchase wheat from local farmers was made to benefit the community, projecting savings of Rs12 billion for the province. Minister Zahir Shah Toru further warned that individuals found involved in corruption in the procurement process would face severe consequences.

Furthermore, Toru reiterated the government’s commitment to combating corruption, and claimed to have implemented the zero-tolerance policy advocated by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan.