The most precious item for sale in the days before the Islamic fasting month of Ramadan is neither diamonds nor gold but wheat flour, which has almost disappeared from any government store in the capital.
Some people are hoarding flour for the holy month, when Muslims fast during daylight hours but typically eat elaborate meals after the sun sets. Much of the government-subsidized flour ends up on the black market, where it can be sold for higher prices than those set by the government. Some flour is smuggled to neighboring Afghanistan.
Regardless, with flour a crucial staple in the Pakistani diet, it’s likely that more and more Pakistanis will be complaining about their government for yet another reason. Three government store managers said they had received no flour for the past month. Many customers complained that any of the flour available is poor quality. The government stores function as Pakistan’s version of welfare, selling basic items at a cheaper rate.
“We were shocked because the flour is not fit for a human being,” said customer Zia ur-Rehman, 32, reminiscing about the last time he was able to buy flour. “It should be for animals.”
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