Officials face inquiry over alleged negligence, information leaks, and suspected facilitation of illegal wheat hoarding activities in Khairpur.
The Government of Sindh has intensified its campaign against illegal wheat hoarding by suspending five Food Department officials accused of misconduct, negligence, and possible involvement in facilitating wheat hoarders.
The move reflects the provincial government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and strict enforcement against market manipulation.
The disciplinary action was ordered by Sindh Minister for Food Makhdoom Mehboob-uz-Zaman after receiving a detailed report from the Commissioner of Sukkur Division regarding recent anti-hoarding operations conducted in District Khairpur.
Following the report’s findings, the Food Department immediately suspended the officials and initiated a departmental inquiry to determine their role in the alleged irregularities.
According to the minister, the Sindh government maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward corruption, abuse of authority, and any collaboration with individuals involved in illegal wheat stockpiling.
He emphasized that the ongoing anti-hoarding drive is aimed at ensuring the uninterrupted availability of wheat and flour, preventing artificial shortages, and maintaining stable prices for consumers across the province.
The report revealed that intelligence-based investigations found evidence suggesting that large quantities of wheat were moved from commercial locations in Abul Wah Chowk, Gambat, to properties reportedly linked to influential individuals.
The relocation allegedly took place shortly before enforcement teams conducted raids, raising concerns about advance warnings being provided to traders.
Investigators also suspected that confidential information regarding planned operations may have been leaked, allowing hoarders to hide or transfer wheat stocks before authorities arrived. If confirmed, such actions would amount to serious misconduct and direct support for illegal hoarding activities.
The report further alleged that one official disclosed the identity of Intelligence Branch personnel involved in anti-hoarding operations, potentially compromising sensitive government efforts.
The inquiry also highlighted shortcomings in coordination and enforcement. Officials allegedly failed to provide adequate support for transporting confiscated wheat to government storage facilities, affecting the effectiveness of the crackdown.
In several cases, traders reportedly locked warehouses and fled, while authorities only sealed the premises without pursuing additional legal measures permitted under the law.
The suspended officials include Shafaat Baloch, Nadeem Ahmed Shaikh, Khalil Ahmed Memon, Naseer Ahmed Memon, and Waheed Ahmed Shaikh. During the inquiry period, their headquarters have been assigned to the office of the Director Food Sindh in Karachi in accordance with service regulations.
The investigation is expected to determine accountability and strengthen the province’s ongoing efforts to curb wheat hoarding.