Key Takeaways
- Eight officials from Sindh food department terminated for misappropriation and shortages of government wheat.
- Total recovery ordered exceeds Rs5.12 billion, with individual recoveries ranging from Rs67.5 million to over Rs2 billion.
- Food Minister Makhdoom Mehboobuz Zaman emphasizes strict monitoring and criminal prosecution for those involved.
The Sindh food department has terminated eight officials following a major scandal involving the misappropriation and shortages of government wheat, with total recovery ordered exceeding Rs5.12 billion.
Among those dismissed are Muhammad Hassan, Muhammad Mithal Magsi, District Food Controller Muhammad Munawar Arain, and food inspectors Muhammad Abbas Memon, Zaheer Abbas Shar, Imran Ali Magsi, Qurban Ali Magsi, and Ghulam Mustafa Mirani.
The cases involved shortages, illegal release, transportation, adulteration, and deliberate deterioration of wheat stocks in various districts including Dadu, Sanghar, Shaheed Benazirabad, Khairpur, Kashmore-Kandhkot, and Shikarpur.
Food Minister Makhdoom Mehboobuz Zaman stated that government wheat is a public asset essential for food security and affordable flour prices. He emphasized that anyone involved in theft or misappropriation of wheat would face dismissal, full recovery, and criminal prosecution.
Zaheer Abbas Shar faces the highest recovery amount of over Rs2 billion, while Muhammad Abbas Memon has been held liable for over Rs1 billion. Muhammad Mithal Magsi is responsible for recovering Rs849.1 million, and Muhammad Hassan must recover Rs700.4 million.
Imran Ali Magsi faces a recovery of Rs310.8 million, Qurban Ali Magsi Rs67.5 million, and former District Food Controller Muhammad Munawar Arain has been ordered to pay Rs56.5 million for the illegal release of wheat to a non-functional flour mill.
Ghulam Mustafa Mirani was dismissed over alleged involvement in large-scale shortages at procurement centers in Kashmore and Kandhkot, with his exact recovery amount yet to be determined separately.
The government has vowed to continue strict monitoring, physical verification, and transparent stock management across the province.
