The Punjab Food Authority suspends 20 officials for corruption and negligence

LAHORE – On the instructions of Punjab Food Minister Bilal Yasin, the provincial food minister on Tuesday suspended 20 officials for corruption, incompetence and serious dereliction of duty.

The food minister said the officials concerned had shown negligence by not taking action against the presence of substandard wheat in the mills.

The decision was taken as the officials concerned had not taken any action against the presence of substandard wheat in flour mills.

According to Food Minister Bilal Yasin, action was taken against the officials for corruption, incompetence and negligence in the discharge of their duties. He said there was no place for incompetent and corrupt officers in the department.

The provincial food minister also said that the Punjab government would not tolerate any hindrance in distributing relief materials to the people.

Bilal Yasin said efforts were being made to ensure supply of quality and affordable flour to markets across Punjab. The suspended officials include officials from Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Jhang, Sargodha, Khushab, Bhakkar, Bahawalnagar, Rawalpindi and Gujar-Khan.

According to details, six assistant food inspectors from Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Jhang and Gujar-Khan have been suspended.

Action has also been taken against seven food grain inspectors in Faisalabad, Jhang and Bahawalnagar. Three assistant food inspectors, three food grain inspectors and a junior clerk were suspended from Sargodha, Khushab and Bhakkar. According to the notification, the officials concerned will be responsible for the safety and regularity of all wheat stocks in their respective centers pending final clearance.