An artificial increase in the prices of wheat and flour has prompted the government to initiate action against 218 employees of the Food Department, including officers.

Sources told that preliminary report in 154 cases had been presented to the senior officials while investigation in 64 cases was ongoing.

They informed that these employees allegedly had a role in an increase in the prices of wheat and flour.

Sources elaborated that action had been initiated against 19 officers and other employees in Lahore.

The department has made it clear that there is zero tolerance for the non-provision of wheat and flour and those employees who are responsible for that will face the music.