Punjab flour mills announce strike
Flour mills prepare to stop operations
The Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) has announced that flour mills across Punjab will suspend operations.
The association said the decision was taken in protest against what it described as anti-industry policies and restrictions affecting flour mills.
PFMA has particularly objected to the suspension of wheat and flour quota permits.
The association also criticised the sealing of mills and fines that can reportedly reach Rs5,000,000 for what it described as minor violations.
PFMA raises permit concerns
The association has also raised allegations of bribery involving District Food Controllers (DFCs).
According to the PFMA chairman, flour mills are being charged between Rs100,000 and Rs150,000 for each permit required to transport wheat and flour.
The chairman said the provincial government had introduced an online system through which mills could generate permits according to their requirements.
However, he alleged that some officials were still demanding payments despite the online system.
The PFMA said it plans to file a reference with the Anti-Corruption Establishment against a DFC over the alleged collection of Rs150,000 per permit.
These allegations have been made by the association and have not been independently established in the information provided.
Dispute over DFC appointment
The PFMA has also questioned the appointment of a Grade-15 employee as a District Food Controller.
The association demanded his removal and called for a senior official to be appointed on merit.
The flour mill owners said administrative decisions were creating additional difficulties for an industry already dealing with rising operational costs.
New charges also alleged
The PFMA chairman said authorities had also ended an earlier arrangement with the Director General Food.
Under the previous system, mills only had to submit lists of trucks transporting bran for animal feed.
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According to the chairman, officials are now allegedly demanding between Rs100,000 and Rs150,000 for those lists as well.
The association has raised concerns over what it says are additional costs being imposed on flour mills.
Wheat transportation restrictions
The PFMA also claimed that authorities had stopped the transportation of wheat and flour to other districts and provinces.
The association said wheat and flour quotas had also been abolished.
According to the PFMA, these restrictions have made transportation more difficult and expensive for flour mills.
The association warned that higher transportation and operating costs could eventually affect the prices of wheat and flour across Punjab.
What could happen next?
The announced strike could affect flour production and supplies if mills remain closed for an extended period.
The industry has demanded changes to the current system and action over the issues it has raised.
The situation will now depend on whether the provincial authorities and flour mill owners reach an agreement before the disruption affects consumers.
