BY AMJAD YOUSAF ZAI
HASSAN ABDAL: Officials of the local revenue department intercepted a consignment of 40 tons of wheat flour being smuggled from Punjab to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), exposing alleged links between food department staff and flour smuggling networks.
The operation took place on the Taxila–Haripur route after revenue officer Asim Pervaiz Gondal acted on a tip-off. Authorities seized the vehicle and detained the driver, who later admitted that the flour had been loaded from mills in Taxila and Wah and was being transported illegally in violation of government regulations on inter-provincial movement of wheat flour.
The incident comes as the Taxila food department faces scrutiny, with several officials arrested in recent weeks for allegedly facilitating smugglers. Departmental inquiries have already led to suspensions, transfers, and removals of staff accused of collusion.
Sources said the nexus was further revealed when seven vehicles carrying flour and wheat products were intercepted without mandatory clearance. Drivers reportedly claimed they were allowed to pass with the connivance of a food grade supervisor. The consignments included flour, refined flour (maida), fine bran, and other products worth millions of rupees.
A case was registered under the Foodstuffs Control Act, 1958, and the Food Grains Licensing Control Order, 1957. Officials noted that accountability concerns deepened when an assistant food controller (AFC) was transferred a day after he took action against the smuggling racket and filed a case against a colleague. Two district food controllers (DFCs) were also removed from their posts following reports from a government agency, while other officers were suspended over similar allegations.
Earlier, police registered a case against a constable accused of facilitating flour smuggling at an inter-provincial check post. Messages recovered from his phone reportedly confirmed coordination with transporters and food department staff at the Brahma picket, allowing vehicles to pass via the Islamabad–Peshawar Motorway despite restrictions.
Sources alleged that instead of being commended, officials who acted against smuggling networks faced transfers and suspensions. Smuggling reportedly continued through alternative routes including Usman Khattar, Rehbar Colony, Jehri Kass, Mohra Maradu, Sultanpur, and Sangjani. Experts described the situation as weak enforcement and internal resistance to accountability, warning it could discourage honest officers and embolden smuggling groups.
A spokesperson for the Punjab Food Department said postings, transfers, and removals were made on the recommendations of accountability bodies after investigations and evidence collection. He clarified that the AFC’s transfer was based on earlier inquiries, not his recent action against colleagues. “Any official found involved in malpractice is proceeded against strictly in accordance with the law,” he said, adding that postings and transfers are an administrative prerogative.
Despite repeated attempts, Assistant Food Controller Taxila Azhar Khan did not respond to requests for comment.
