Sukkur: The Sindh government has suspended five officials of the Food Department on charges of negligence, misconduct and alleged connivance with wheat hoarders, in a major step to ensure transparency in its province wide anti hoarding drive.
The action was taken on the directives of Provincial Minister for Food, Makhdoom Mehboob-uz-Zaman, after a detailed report was submitted by the Commissioner, Sukkur Division regarding anti hoarding operations in District Khairpur.
According to handout issued here on Thursday, the Minister has adopted a zero tolerance policy against corruption and collusion with hoarders.
He said the campaign against illegal wheat stockpiling aims to protect consumers, ensure uninterrupted supply of wheat and flour, and maintain price stability.
The Commissioner’s report revealed serious irregularities during recent raids. It stated that substantial quantities of wheat were shifted in the last two days from identified premises at Abul Wah Chowk, Gambat to properties owned by influential individuals to evade enforcement action.
The report further alleged that confidential information about planned raids was leaked in advance, enabling traders to conceal or relocate hoarded stocks. It termed the act, if proved, as gross misconduct and active facilitation of illegal hoarding.
It also alleged that an official disclosed the identity of Intelligence Branch personnel involved in the operation to traders in Kot Diji, compromising sensitive government operations.
The report pointed out poor coordination during the campaign, noting that despite repeated requests, administrative support for shifting confiscated wheat to government warehouses was not provided, affecting the momentum of the drive. It added that in several cases, traders locked their warehouses and fled, while officials only sealed the premises without taking legal measures like search, inventory and seizure as permissible under law.
Taking serious notice, the Food Department suspended Mr. Shafaat Baloch, Food Supervisor, Nara Taluka, Nadeem Ahmed Shaikh, Food Supervisor, Gambat, Khalil Ahmed Memon, Food Supervisor, Gambat, Naseer Ahmed Memon, Food Supervisor, Gambat, and Waheed Ahmed Shaikh, Food Inspector, Kot Diji. During suspension, their headquarters have been fixed at the office of Director Food Sindh, Karachi.
Minister Makhdoom Mehboob-uz-Zaman said the suspensions send a clear message that no official will be allowed to undermine public interest.
He warned that any official found leaking information, facilitating hoarders or obstructing operations would face strict disciplinary action without discrimination.
He directed all Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Assistant Commissioners and Food Department officers to ensure transparency and coordination in the anti hoarding operations, adding that a fair and merit based inquiry will be conducted and those found guilty will be dealt with strictly in accordance with law.