In the midst of a worsening wheat shortage in Balochistan, thousands of families are finding it harder to afford their daily bread…”
In the small kitchens of Quetta and beyond, a quiet crisis is unfolding — one that’s making it harder for families to put even a simple meal of roti and vegetables on the table.
Over the past month, a deepening wheat shortage has led to a dramatic rise in flour prices across Balochistan, leaving the province’s most vulnerable communities struggling to cope. A 20-kilogram bag of flour that cost Rs. 1,600 just weeks ago now sells for as much as Rs. 2,500 in some markets. For families already living hand-to-mouth, the difference is devastating.
Sakina Bibi, a widowed mother of four living in Quetta’s Sariab area, says her family now eats one meal less each day. “Flour has become too expensive. We used to buy a full bag every month. Now, I can’t even afford half. How do I feed my children?” she asked, her voice heavy with worry.
The shortage stems from a significant gap between the province’s wheat production and its actual needs. Balochistan produces around 10 million bags of wheat annually, while the demand stands closer to 18 million. The shortfall has traditionally been met by wheat supplies from Punjab — but that lifeline is now faltering.
Badruddin Khan, Chairman of the Pakistan Flour Mills Association, points the finger at recent restrictions imposed by the Punjab government on wheat transportation. “The movement of wheat from Punjab has been severely curtailed. That’s disrupted the entire supply chain and caused prices to skyrocket,” he explained.
With flour mills operating below capacity, local tandoors are also feeling the pressure. Many are warning that they’ll be forced to raise prices — or close their doors entirely — if the situation continues.
“We haven’t increased the price of roti yet, but we may have to,” said Muhammad Jan, a baker in Quetta. “People already argue with us over one or two rupees. If we raise prices, we’ll lose customers — but if we don’t, we can’t survive.”
The provincial government, meanwhile, is facing growing criticism for failing to take timely action. Citizens and small business owners are urging authorities to release wheat stocks, stabilize prices, and urgently coordinate with Punjab to restore the flow of wheat into Balochistan.
Experts warn that without intervention, the situation may only worsen in the weeks ahead — especially with winter approaching, when food insecurity traditionally spikes in the region.
Back in Aktharabad, Sakina Bibi worries about what’s next. “It’s not just roti. Everything is getting expensive. But when you can’t even afford a piece of bread — what else is left?”
