For Punjab government to provide 20 kg bag of 'atta' at Rs 300, the commodity is not available in Multan even at a higher rates. Consumers were seen visiting shop to shop and one market to other in search of 'atta' but failed to get it. Shortage of 'atta' badly hit different parts of the city.
The officials of the city government time and again had claimed smooth supply of 'atta' at controlled rates and are now claiming its provision in 'Sasta Bazaars' during Ramazan, but its non-availability belies their claims.
Shopkeepers and wholesalers in flood affected areas of Vehari and Rajanpur districts have stopped selling 'atta' for the last many days. Due to worst kind of shortage, people visit other areas and purchase 20 kg bag of 'atta' at Rs 470 to Rs 500. Some people get 20 kg 'atta' bag at Rs 520 from 'chakkis'.
Many people get the commodity from flourmills at Rs 420 to Rs 430 per bag. The trucks of the city administration are not supplying the commodity on daily basis, as they have not enough stock for thousands of consumers. The city administration trucks are selling a 20 kg 'atta' bag at Rs 375 and not at Rs 300, it is learnt.
Sources in Punjab Food Department said that the government could not afford to sell 'atta' at controlled rate. It only boasts to gain popularity. Many a time Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif had announced to provide 'atta' at controlled rates to people but failed badly. "The government does not have enough wheat and it can not sell available wheat in markets at controlled rate," sources said.
The government is selling 40 kg wheat to flourmills at Rs 780. Some 12 flourmills closed down during last six months in Multan after the government pressed them to sell 'atta' at controlled rates of Rs 365. "If the government does not want to bear the loss and is selling 40 kg wheat at Rs 780 to flourmills then how could flourmills owners bear the loss?" sources said.
The shortage of basic commodity is still persisting in whole of the country including Multan, it is learnt. Special Price Magistrate and Incharge 'Atta' Cell of District Government said that they are trying to ensure smooth supply of basic commodity in every area of the city.
He asked the people to inform the district government about the shortage of 'atta' so that 'atta' trucks could be sent to that area. "It is the duty of any government to provide food and security to the public but the PPP government failed to fulfil its promise," Aisha Bano, a housewife, said. "It is a matter of concern that people have no 'atta', while the present rulers are busy in other activities. Only statements cannot provide relief to the poverty-stricken people," she said.
"The government should ensure availability of 'atta' first, then they should talk about fixation of its rate at Rs 300 per bag," Abdul Sattar a traditional medicine physician said. "Is it possible that people would get a 20 kg bag of 'atta' at Rs 300 in this situation?" he asked.
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