Archive · 8 Nov 2025
Punjab Wheat Ban Sparks Flour Crisis in Rawalpindi and Islamabad
Imagine your favorite bread shop suddenly can't get the flour it needs to make bread.
That's what's happening in two cities in Pakistan, Rawalpindi and Islamabad.
A government department stopped the flour mills from getting wheat, which is what flour is made from.
Now, the flour shops are running out of flour, and they might have to close for a bit.
This is making everyone worried because bread is a very important food there.
The people who make bread are also upset because the price of flour has gone up a lot, and they say the government is being too strict with them, even shutting down some shops and fining owners.
They want the government to fix this problem quickly so everyone can get their bread.
Punjab Food Department's ban on wheat supplies to Rawalpindi and Islamabad mills has caused a severe flour shortage.
Flour mills have announced a suspension of flour distribution, raising fears of a food emergency.
Existing orders for wheat and flour have been cancelled, leading to immediate market scarcity.
Flour prices have doubled, with red flour rising from PKR 5,500 to PKR 11,000 and fine flour from PKR 6,200 to PKR 12,600 per sack.
The Pakistan Naanbai Association criticizes the government's handling of pricing and enforcement actions, reporting demolished and fined businesses.
- Who
- Punjab Food Department, Flour Mills Association, Pakistan Naanbai Association
- What
- A ban on wheat supplies to mills leading to a flour shortage and price hikes, with associated business disruptions and government enforcement actions.
- When
- Ban imposed Friday night, flour distribution suspension starting Monday, price increases occurred since the current administration took office.
- Where
- Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan
- Why
- The Punjab Food Department imposed a ban on wheat supplies, causing a crisis. The Pakistan Naanbai Association criticizes the government's pricing and enforcement.
Flour Mills Association
Government Action
Wheat Supply Disruption
Flour Mills Association
The Punjab Food Department's sudden ban on wheat supplies to mills in Rawalpindi and Islamabad is causing an immediate shortage and threatens a food emergency.
Government Action
The government's actions, including withholding wheat permits and imposing fines, are presented as necessary enforcement measures.
Impact on Businesses
Flour Mills Association
The ban has led to cancelled orders and a halt in flour distribution, paralyzing production and supply.
Government Action
The government's Price Enforcement Force has demolished, sealed, and fined tandoors and owners for unspecified reasons.
Price Increases
Flour Mills Association
The price of flour has doubled under the current administrations, significantly impacting consumers.
Government Action
No specific justification or defense for price increases was provided in the article, but actions suggest attempts to control markets.
- Affected Cities
- Rawalpindi and Islamabad
- Reason for Crisis
- Punjab Food Department's ban on wheat supplies to local mills
- Flour Mills Association Stance
- Criticizes ban, calls for immediate revocation of wheat permits
- Pakistan Naanbai Association Stance
- Criticizes government's handling of flour pricing and enforcement actions
- Price Increase (Red Flour Sack)
- Doubled from PKR 5,500 to PKR 11,000
- Price Increase (Fine Flour Sack)
- Surged from PKR 6,200 to PKR 12,600
- Government Enforcement Actions
- Dozens of tandoors demolished, 79 sealed, over 100 owners fined