Provinces Refuse to Be Part of Govt’s 1 Million Ton Wheat Import Plan

Pakistan's plan to import up to 1 million metric tons of wheat has encountered opposition, as provincial governments, including Punjab, are hesitant to request additional wheat beyond their existing supplies, according to sources speaking to ProPakistani. The federal government has tentatively decided to import up to 1 million metric tons of wheat at a cost of $340 million.

A review meeting held on Sunday, chaired by the Federal Minister for National Food Security, included Tariq Bajwa, as well as representatives from the federal and provincial governments, PASSCO, and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP). No final decision was made during the meeting concerning the quantity or method of additional wheat imports.

Provincial authorities have disclosed significant gaps in their strategic wheat reserves, yet they were also unwilling to submit written requests for additional wheat beyond the stocks held by PASSCO. PASSCO held approximately 1.783 million metric tons of wheat at the start of July. The federal government's proposal for wheat imports is contingent on the demand and supply data provided by the provinces.

An Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) steering committee, led by the Deputy Prime Minister, has been established to manage wheat import-related matters. The matter is expected to continue under scrutiny.