The Sindh government has suspended five Food Department officials over alleged links with wheat hoarders after an inquiry found evidence of misconduct during the province-wide crackdown on illegal wheat stockpiling.

Sindh Food Minister Makhdoom Mehboob Zaman ordered the suspension after receiving a detailed inquiry report from the Sukkur commissioner. The report alleges that the officials leaked confidential information about planned raids, colluded with wheat traders and obstructed government efforts to curb hoarding.

The suspended officials are Food Supervisors Shafaat Baloch (Nara), Nadeem Ahmed Sheikh (Gambat), Khalil Ahmed Memon (Gambat), Naseer Ahmed Memon (Gambat), and Food Inspector Waheed Ahmed Sheikh (Kot Diji). During their suspension, all five officials will report to the Director Food Sindh’s office in Karachi while the department conducts disciplinary proceedings.

According to the inquiry, intelligence reports showed that influential individuals shifted wheat stocks from Abul Wah Chowk in Gambat to warehouses under their control shortly before enforcement teams carried out raids.

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Investigators also alleged that some Food Department officials warned wheat traders about upcoming inspections, allowing them to relocate illegally stored wheat before authorities arrived. The report said investigators could classify the alleged actions as misuse of official authority if they confirmed the allegations, adding that the actions undermined the government’s anti-hoarding campaign.

The inquiry also alleged that a food inspector disclosed the identities of Intelligence Branch personnel to traders, compromising sensitive enforcement operations and putting raiding officials at risk.

Officials also failed to help transport seized wheat to government warehouses despite repeated requests, the report said. Investigators added that authorities did not take effective legal action against some traders who allegedly locked their warehouses and fled before inspection teams arrived.

Makhdoom Mehboob Zaman said the Sindh government follows a zero-tolerance policy on corruption and misconduct. He vowed that authorities would take action against any official who works against the public interest.

The minister said the government’s priority is to ensure affordable flour prices, prevent artificial shortages and continue decisive action against wheat hoarders and anyone assisting them.

He directed commissioners, deputy commissioners, assistant commissioners and Food Department officials to perform their duties with integrity, transparency and professionalism. He also warned that the government would not tolerate negligence, collusion or the disclosure of confidential information.

The minister reaffirmed that the government will continue its crackdown on wheat hoarders, profiteers and public officials who facilitate illegal activities.