The Punjab government has imposed a 30-day ban on the use of wheat in feed mills, restricting its use exclusively for flour production to ensure sufficient supply for human consumption. The ban, which will remain in effect until October 3, was enforced under Section 144(6) of the Criminal Procedure Code 1898 by Punjab Home Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman.
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According to the official notification, feed mills in Punjab hold stocks of more than 104,000 metric tons of wheat, which have been used primarily for poultry feed. Authorities fear that continued use of wheat for animal feed could worsen the shortage of flour amid rising demand and crop losses caused by the ongoing floods.
Punjab is currently in its third week of severe flooding, with thousands of acres of farmland destroyed. Officials have warned that food prices are expected to surge across the country as a result of the damage. The ban is aimed at protecting wheat reserves for the public during this crisis.
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Under Section 144, viola tors of the order can face police action, including fines or imprisonment of up to six months. The Punjab home department said the restriction has been publicized through the official gazette, newspapers and media outlets to raise awareness among the public and industry stakeholders.
