Severe Flour Crisis Looms in Pakistan: Islamabad and Rawalpindi Facing Supply Shortages

Pakistan is grappling with a looming bread crisis, particularly in the capital Islamabad and Rawalpindi, as the supply chain for essential flour has been severely disrupted.

### Crisis Overview:
* **Supply Blockade:** Nearly 45 flour mills are on the verge of shutting down after the Punjab Food Department abruptly suspended wheat transport permits on July 13. Crucially, the department reportedly issued this order verbally rather than providing any official written notification.
* **Impact:** The suspension has halted the daily supply of approximately 8,000 tons of wheat destined for Islamabad and Rawalpindi. These mills, located in industrial zones like I-9 and I-10, are the backbone of the region's food security.
* **Consequences:** The Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) has warned that continued disruption will lead to severe flour shortages, hoarding, black-marketing, and an inevitable spike in prices for the common citizen.

### Calls for Intervention:
* **Accountability:** The PFMA has blamed the Punjab Food Department for the crisis, citing administrative arbitrariness and constant interference in supply chains that have already left mill owners in financial distress.
* **Demand for Action:** The association has urged Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to intervene immediately to restore wheat supply permits and reinstate an online permit system to ensure transparency and prevent further administrative lapses.

As stocks in the mills run dry, there is growing apprehension that without immediate intervention, the residents of Pakistan's capital and surrounding areas will face significant hardship regarding the availability and affordability of basic food items.