The Punjab government has expanded its crackdown on wheat transportation by imposing strict restrictions at the district level, following earlier provincial measures aimed at preventing shortages, it was reported on Tuesday.
According to official directions, Road Transportation Authority (RTA) Secretary Rana Mohsin has been tasked with enforcing a complete ban on the inter-district movement of wheat.
The RTA secretary has issued immediate orders to goods transporters to halt all inter-provincial and inter-district wheat transfers. He also warned that violators will face strict legal action.
RTA Secretary Rana Mohsin said the decision was made to avert the risk of food scarcity and to safeguard the supply of wheat for human consumption.
Earlier this month, on September 5, the Punjab government invoked Section 144 across the province to prevent a looming wheat and flour crisis.
The order included a ban on the use of wheat in poultry feed mills, ensuring that supplies remain dedicated to flour production.
The provincial administration moved into action amid rising concerns of shortages. According to directives issued by the Punjab Home Secretary, wheat will now only be supplied to flour mills.
Reports show that feed mills in Punjab currently hold more than 104,000 metric tonnes of wheat, which they had planned to use for poultry feed.
The restrictions, enforced under Section 144(6) of the Criminal Procedure Code 1898, will remain in place until Friday, October 3.
The Punjab Home Department has also instructed that the order be widely publicised through the official gazette, newspapers, and electronic media to ensure public awareness.
