QUETTA:
In a major crackdown on corruption, Zhob police arrested an assistant food inspector of the Balochistan Food Department after more than 4,000 bags of wheat were found missing in the area.
The accused, identified as Zafar Khan, was taken into custody and taken to Zhob police station, where a case was registered against him.
The arrest comes as part of a wider investigation into the disappearance of the wheat bags, with other suspects also arrested in connection with the scandal. The District Police Officer (DPO) of Zhob, Syed Saboor Agha, personally supervised the operation, ensuring that those responsible for this massive theft are brought to justice.
The discovery of this corruption scandal has sparked outrage in the community, but many have expressed their appreciation for the police’s decisive action. “The law will take its course,” DPO Syed Saboor Agha said, reaffirming the commitment to hold those involved accountable.
The swift response of the police to uncover this corruption and arrest the culprits has been widely praised as it sends a strong message against corrupt practices that undermine public trust and the fair distribution of essential resources such as wheat.
the Balochistan Food Department has also launched an investigation into the disappearance of wheat bags from Zhob district of Balochistan.
Just recently it was reported that wheat worth more than 50 million rupees had allegedly gone missing from a government warehouse in Zhob district, Balochistan. The assistant director of the Food Service in Zhob confirmed that 4,885 bags of wheat disappeared overnight from the premises.
The official suggested that soil may have been mixed with wheat to cover up the shortfall and manipulate census records. In response to this incident, the warehouse manager has been arrested and a First Information Report (FIR) has been filed with the local police. The Balochistan Food Authority is currently investigating this unusual incident to ascertain how the wheat was removed.
They are committed to addressing any inconsistencies in warehouse inventory management. The missing wheat was intended for distribution through a government program aimed at providing assistance to local communities. The investigation will focus on uncovering the details surrounding the theft and examining security protocols at the warehouse.
In May this year, the Balochistan government decided to procure 500,000 tonnes of wheat under the provincial government’s 2024 wheat procurement policy.
In a bid to ensure food security and support local farmers, Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti presided over an important meeting of the Food Department where a comprehensive review of the 2024 wheat procurement policy and plan took place.
During the meeting, the CM ordered the procurement of 500,000 tonnes of wheat directly from farmers this year, with the aim of boosting agricultural activities in the region.
To facilitate procurement, the cabinet approved an allocation of Rs.5 billion. Chief Minister Bugti directed the Finance Ministry to release Rs 2.5 billion on Monday, while the remaining amount is scheduled to be released later this month. In addition, an immediate release of Rs 13.9 million was made for the purchase of bags required for the procurement process.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Bugti reiterated his commitment to provide relief to farmers and ensure transparency in the functioning of the Food Department. He expressed determination to root out corruption and restore confidence in the department, acknowledging past scandals that had tarnished its reputation.
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