Pakistan’s plan to import up to 1 million metric tons of wheat has faced resistance from provincial governments. Punjab and other provinces appear reluctant to submit fresh demands for imported wheat.
According to sources, the federal government has agreed in principle to import up to 1 million metric tons. The proposed imports are estimated to cost around $340 million.
However, provincial governments have shown limited interest in requesting additional wheat. Sources said provinces are hesitant to seek supplies beyond the wheat available through the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO).
The issue was discussed during a review meeting held on Sunday. The Federal Minister for National Food Security chaired the meeting.
Tariq Bajwa and officials from federal and provincial governments attended the session. Representatives from PASSCO and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) were also present.
The meeting focused on the country’s wheat supply position and possible import requirements. However, officials did not reach a final decision on additional imports.
No final agreement was reached on either the quantity or the mechanism for importing more wheat. The issue is expected to remain under discussion.
Provincial governments have reported significant shortages in their strategic wheat reserves. Despite these reported shortfalls, they remain reluctant to submit written requests for additional wheat.
The provinces are expected to continue using wheat available in PASSCO reserves. These stocks will help meet their immediate requirements.
PASSCO held around 1.783 million metric tons of wheat during the first week of July. The available stock remains an important source for provincial wheat needs.
Sources said the federal government’s proposal is based on demand and supply information provided by the provinces. Their reported requirements helped shape the proposed import plan.
The proposed imports could add up to 1 million metric tons to the country’s wheat supply. However, the provinces’ reluctance has created uncertainty over the final quantity.
The federal government will need to assess updated demand before proceeding with the import plan. Officials are also expected to consider existing stocks and future supply requirements.
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has already established a steering committee for the issue. The committee is headed by the Deputy Prime Minister.
Its role is to oversee matters related to wheat imports and coordinate with relevant authorities. The committee is expected to monitor developments before a final decision is taken.
For Pakistan, maintaining sufficient wheat supplies remains an important food security issue. Authorities need to balance available domestic stocks with expected future demand.
The provinces will continue utilizing wheat from PASSCO for their requirements. Their current position could influence the federal government’s final import decision.
The government’s proposal to import wheat remains under review. Officials have not yet finalized the procurement quantity or import mechanism.
The latest meeting therefore did not produce a definitive outcome. Further discussions are expected as authorities review provincial demand and available stocks.
The Pakistan wheat import plan will likely depend on updated information from provincial governments. Authorities will also consider the country’s strategic reserves before making a final decision.
The proposed import of up to 1 million metric tons remains part of the government’s broader effort. The objective is to ensure adequate wheat availability if domestic supplies fall short.
In other related news also read PFMA Warns of Flour Shortage Over Wheat Permit Suspension
For now, no final decision has been announced regarding additional imports. The matter is expected to remain under review by federal and provincial authorities.
