Why three states in Pakistan are fighting over wheat and flour

The three provinces of Pakistan—Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Punjab, and Sindh—are clashing over wheat and flour supplies.

On Thursday this week, the KP government urged Punjab to lift restrictions on inter-provincial transport of wheat and flour, warning that the curbs are disrupting supply chains, driving up prices, and threatening food security, Dawn reported.

Tensions have also risen between the PPP in Sindh and the Punjab government over wheat seed supplies. PPP Sindh president Nisar Khuhro said the Punjab government blocked deliveries just as the sowing season begins, calling the move “anti-Sindh” and urging Prime Minister Shehbaz to intervene. Farmers in Sindh had already paid Punjab-based suppliers for the seeds, but shipments were halted.

KP’s food secretary said in a letter that the ban is undermining market stability and endangering availability. As a wheat-deficient province, KP relies on Punjab for around 14,500 tonnes of wheat daily.

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While Punjab has allowed a limited quota of 2,000 tonnes of flour to KP, officials said it falls far short of the province’s needs.

The restrictions remain despite repeated requests, prompting the KP government to cite Article 151(1) of the Pakistani Constitution, which guarantees free inter-provincial trade and movement of goods.

The issue was also raised at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on October 17, which emphasized smooth wheat movement between provinces.

The KP Flour Mills Association has warned that wheat stocks are running low and shortages could arise if restrictions continue. KP Chief Minister Mohammad Sohail Afridi called the ban unconstitutional and ordered officials to demand its immediate removal. He noted that KP produces only 1.5 million tonnes of wheat annually out of its 5.3 million-tonne requirement.

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Sindh accuses Punjab of blocking wheat seed supplies

The dispute adds to ongoing disagreements over wheat procurement following the announcement of the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs3,500 per 40kg. PPP Punjab Secretary General Hassan Murtaza raised concerns over the abolition of Passco, warning that farmers risk being underpaid by middlemen.

Khuhro described Punjab’s actions as a “grave injustice” and economic exploitation of Sindh’s farmers and labourers. He noted that of Pakistan’s 552,000 tonnes of annual wheat seed production, 516,000 tonnes come from Punjab, leaving Sindh heavily dependent on its neighbour.