Sindh bans inter-provincial movement of wheat amid rising prices

Sindh on Thursday decided to impose a ban on inter-provincial movement of wheat as part of a broader strategy to ensure food supply, curb hoarding and stabilize market availability.

Briefing the media about the key cabinet decisions taken under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the move came amid rising wheat prices and was aimed at ensuring fair distribution and price stability across the province.

He said the cabinet meeting approved a broad reform and development agenda covering health, education, transportation, governance and infrastructure, reflecting what he described as a “development-driven approach” of the provincial government.

The cabinet approved allocations of Rs 338.8 million for development plans in Sukkur and Rs 916.14 million for food and dietary needs of the jail. The Sukkur package includes upgrading the Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Recreational and Welfare Park and establishing a women’s block at the Mir Masoom Shah Library, aimed at strengthening cultural and educational infrastructure in the division.

On healthcare reforms, the cabinet approved the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC) and National Institute of Child Health (NICH) Management and Operations Act, 2025, formally placing both institutions under a structured provincial legal framework. The law introduces standardized contracting procedures, performance-based accountability and better federal-provincial coordination.

The cabinet also approved the continuation of the EPADS procurement system for medicines, vaccines, oncology drugs and emergency health kits for fiscal years 2026-27, while authorizing early planning for the subsequent procurement cycle.

A centralized postgraduate residency policy in Sindh by 2026 was also approved, introducing a unified entrance test and merit-based system for 3,794 training seats with an allocation of Rs 4,739 million. The policy aims to eliminate inconsistencies in admissions and strengthen postgraduate medical training standards across institutions.

Sharjeel said Sindh has established more than 10 autism centers and the federal government recognizes the province’s experience and seeks help. He added that an autism center will now be established in Islamabad with technical support from Sindh.

On transportation and infrastructure, the cabinet approved the handover of the Red Line Lot-2 BRT project to Frontier Works Organization (FWO) under a government-to-government agreement to accelerate delayed construction, along with emergency funds for transportation facilitation.

Other decisions included allocating land for a strategic tide gauge station at French Beach, a 15-day relaxation in the annual fishing ban to provide relief to fishermen and transfer of the SBOSS platform to Sindh IT Company to improve digital governance.

The cabinet also approved amendments to the technical education (STEVTA) laws, expansion of IBA Karachi’s mandate to establish campuses across the country and an agreement to export autism rehabilitation expertise from Sindh to Islamabad.

Memon said the women-focused initiatives, including free training and distribution of pink scooters, are part of a broader empowerment programme.

On constitutional matters, he said the federal government is yet to start consultations on the proposed 28th Amendment, adding that Sindh would review any proposal once it is formally shared. He also said that the Qayyumabad to KPT bridge project is planned to be completed in two years to improve the connectivity of Karachi.