Supply Blockades Trigger Wheat Crisis in KP

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is facing an escalating wheat crisis, with flour prices surging due to severe disruptions in supply from Punjab. Muhammad Naeem Butt, chairman of the Pakistan Flour Mills Association (KP chapter), has urged the provincial government to intervene, highlighting KP's heavy reliance on Punjab for wheat. Despite a surplus in Punjab, transportation to KP is reportedly blocked by illegal checkpoints causing delays, alleged extortion, and vehicle confiscation, which Butt terms a violation of constitutional provisions for free movement of goods. This blockage is preventing KP from building strategic reserves, threatening a more severe crisis, and the association is pushing for government engagement with federal and Punjab authorities to ensure smooth supply and stabilize the market.