The Sindh government has recovered 150,000 tonnes of wheat during a province-wide wheat hoarding crackdown. Officials say the operation increased market supplies and pushed wheat prices down by 13%.

Speaking at a press conference in Karachi on Thursday, Sindh Senior Minister for Information, Transport and Mass Transit Sharjeel Inam Memon said Sindh and Punjab produced bumper wheat crops this season. He accused hoarders and profiteers of buying and storing large quantities of wheat. Their actions prevented the government from securing enough stocks for procurement.

Sharjeel said authorities launched a province-wide operation against hoarders. They recovered 150,000 tonnes of wheat and compensated affected owners under the government’s official procurement rates.

He urged anyone still holding wheat stocks to hand them over to the government. He said this step would help maintain adequate supplies in the market. He added that wheat prices had fallen by 13% after officials released the recovered stocks.

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Commenting on the murder of Dr Akash Kumar, Sharjeel said the Sindh government acted immediately. Police arrested three suspects—Anil, Ram Chand and Suresh. Officers also recovered the vehicle allegedly used in the crime. He praised the police for their swift action and pledged strict action against serious crimes.

Sharjeel also criticised remarks directed at Pakistan’s martyrs and ghazis. He said the country’s armed forces had defended Pakistan on every front. Referring to the recent Pakistan-India conflict, he said the Army, Navy and Air Force responded effectively. He urged JUI-F chief Maulana Fazlur Rehman to withdraw his remarks. He argued that Indian media had widely highlighted those comments.

The minister described Pakistan’s martyrs and ghazis as national heroes. He said no statement could diminish their sacrifices. He added that the nation remained united during the conflict with India. He also said the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) had always opposed dictatorship while respecting the armed forces.

Sharjeel said Pakistan became the only nuclear power in the Islamic world because of the vision of former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. He urged political leaders, the military, businesses and civil society to stay united on issues of national importance.

Responding to another question, he described Maulana Fazlur Rehman as an experienced politician. He said withdrawing the statement would strengthen his political standing. He also said the prime minister continued to consider Pakistan’s economic conditions while making major decisions.

On wheat procurement, Sharjeel said Sindh and Punjab followed different policies. He said authorities had found no evidence that wheat moved from Punjab to Afghanistan. However, they had evidence that wheat moved from Sindh to Punjab. He also clarified that no province could block wheat movement under the Constitution.

Discussing the case of missing girl Priya Kumari, Sharjeel called it a highly serious matter. He said the Sindh government’s position remained unchanged.

On water shortages, he said the Sindh government had repeatedly written to the prime minister and the federal government. It asked them to ensure Sindh received its constitutional share of water. He also urged the Indus River System Authority (IRSA) to distribute water fairly under the Water Apportionment Accord.

Sharjeel said the PPP had made major sacrifices for democracy and national stability. He added that the party had never spoken against national institutions. He also claimed that the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) had supported former president General Pervez Musharraf.

Highlighting Karachi’s role, Sharjeel called the city the backbone of Pakistan’s economy.

Responding to a question about Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Sharjeel said the minister suffered a blood clot in the brain while visiting Dubai. He said Shah was receiving treatment there. He also noted that Sindh has modern and well-equipped healthcare facilities.

Sharjeel concluded by urging IRSA to ensure every province received its constitutional share of water under the Water Apportionment Accord.