The Sindh Food Department has taken stringent disciplinary action against five officials found guilty of misappropriation, shortages, illegal handling, adulteration, and misuse of government wheat stocks. The action, announced on Saturday, follows the zero-tolerance policy of Sindh Minister for Food, Makhdoom Mehboob Uz Zaman.
Dismissals and Recovery Orders
After disciplinary proceedings under the Sindh Civil Servants (Efficiency & Discipline) Rules, 1973, the department dismissed the officials and ordered the recovery of losses exceeding Rs. 2.65 billion, including principal amount and markup. The cases have been referred to the Enquiries & Anti-Corruption Establishment Sindh for criminal investigation and prosecution. Deputy Directors Food have been directed to file civil suits for recovery.
Details of the Five Cases
Balakh Sher Shaikh, Food Inspector BS-12 and Incharge PRC Kandhkot in District Kashmore-Kandhkot, was dismissed for misappropriating 9,913.952 metric tons of government wheat from the 2019-20 crop. Recovery of Rs. 783,692,800 has been ordered.
Habibullah Abro, Food Supervisor BS-09 and Incharge PRC Golarchi in District Badin, was dismissed for shortages of 387 jute bags and 4,289 PP bags of wheat from the 2023-24 crop. Recovery of Rs. 87,945,098 was ordered.
Ali Asghar Panhwar, Food Supervisor BS-09 and Incharge PRC Johi in District Dadu, was dismissed for misappropriating 28,375 wheat bags (2,837.5 metric tons). Recovery of Rs. 382,218,525 has been ordered.
Deedar Hussain Magsi, Food Supervisor BS-09 and Incharge PRC Majeed Keerio in District Shaheed Benazirabad, was dismissed over serious shortages and fake dispatches. The shortage was 102,863 PP bags (7,045.603 metric tons), with recovery of Rs. 1,194,097,661 ordered.
Muhammad Ali Magsi, Food Inspector BS-12 and Incharge PRC Hali Road in District Hyderabad, was dismissed for misappropriation, shortages, and adulteration. Wheat stocks were mixed with dust, dirt, and non-edible particles, obstructing lifting by flour mills. Recovery of Rs. 208,325,236 was ordered.
Minister's Statement
Sindh Minister for Food, Makhdoom Mehboob Uz Zaman, stated, 'Corruption in the Food Department will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Wheat is a public asset and any official found involved in misappropriation, illegal issuance of bardana, fake dispatches, adulteration, shortage, or misuse of government property will face strict departmental, legal, and criminal action.'
