CM team to conduct raids to check wheat quality

Rawalpindi

The Punjab government has taken notice of sub-standard wheat supplying to flourmills in Rawalpindi and Islamabad posing health risk to public.

Chief Minister Investigation Team (CMIT) was tasked to conduct surprise visits to monitor supply of wheat under District Food Department.

The team will conduct surprise raids on all godowns to check sub-standard wheat.

The Punjab government took notice on complaints of consumers and flourmills.

On December 5, 2016 All Pakistan Flourmill Association (APFA) Senior Vice Chairman Muhammad Rehan in his statement to 'The News' had claimed that flourmills are being supplied four-year old wheat for grinding. He said wheat sacks lying in open space endured monsoon rains of four years. It was impossible to produce quality flour with expired wheat, he said. We wanted to provide quality 'atta' to public but full cooperation of District Food Department is needed, he said. He also said that the government authorities should take action against rule violators.

A report on the subject was published in The News on December 6, 2016. Human Rights Commission Chairman Justice (R) Ali Nawaz Chohan took suo moto on the news item and summoned concerned officers for answer. 

District Food Department In-Charge Cyloce Muhammad Saleem Butt said that they are supplying fine quality wheat to flourmills. He has admitted that Chief Minister Investigation Team will visit them in some days to check the standard of wheat. He rejected all allegations saying they were trying to supply fine quality wheat.  

The consumers have urged Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif to take immediate action against this health-related issue to provide quality flour to public. Public has also appealed higher authorities to send wheat to laboratories to check its quality.