The federal government is yet to make a final decision on the proposed import of one million tons of wheat, as authorities continue assessing wheat stocks across the country to determine whether additional imports are necessary. The issue came under discussion during a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research, where officials reviewed the country’s current wheat reserves, procurement policies, and future food security strategy.
Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain informed lawmakers that no final decision has been taken regarding who will undertake the proposed imports, adding that the government is waiting for updated stock data from all provinces before moving forward.
Provinces Asked to Share Wheat Stock Position
According to the minister, the federal government has requested each provincial government to provide the latest information regarding its wheat reserves.
The updated figures will help authorities determine whether domestic supplies are sufficient or whether additional imports are needed to maintain food security and stabilize prices in the coming months.
Rana Tanveer said the federal government would prefer provincial governments to handle wheat imports themselves, while the Centre would facilitate the process by granting the necessary approvals.
He explained that allowing provinces to manage imports directly could improve coordination while ensuring that wheat requirements are met according to regional demand.
Import Cost Estimated at Rs4,200 to Rs4,300 Per Maund
The minister informed the committee that imported wheat is expected to cost between Rs4,200 and Rs4,300 per maund, depending on prevailing international market prices and transportation costs.
The estimate provides lawmakers with an indication of the financial implications of importing wheat at a time when questions are being raised about domestic production and existing government stocks.
The proposed import plan is currently under review, with officials evaluating whether such an expenditure is necessary.
ECC Summary Submitted
Rana Tanveer confirmed that the Ministry of National Food Security and Research has already prepared and submitted a summary to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) seeking approval to import one million tons of wheat.
The proposal remains under consideration and awaits the ECC’s decision.
The minister also revealed that the government has constituted a steering committee to supervise the entire wheat import process if approval is granted.
The committee will oversee procurement procedures, monitor implementation, and coordinate with relevant departments to ensure transparency and timely execution.
Government Still Holds One Million Tons of Wheat
During the meeting, the minister informed lawmakers that the federal government still possesses approximately one million tons of wheat in its reserves.
He said these stocks remain available even after supplying wheat to Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB).
The existing reserves have prompted several members of the parliamentary committee to question whether additional imports are currently justified.
Lawmakers Question Need for Imports
Members of the Standing Committee expressed concerns over the proposed import plan, asking why Pakistan should import wheat if adequate domestic stocks remain available.
Several lawmakers argued that the government should first utilize locally available wheat and support domestic farmers before spending foreign exchange on imports.
Committee members emphasized that encouraging local agriculture should remain a national priority, particularly when wheat growers continue facing rising production costs.
They urged the government to carefully assess domestic supply before making any decision that could affect local farmers and the agricultural economy.
Procurement Policy Also Reviewed
The committee also reviewed wheat procurement policies adopted by different provinces during the current season.
According to Rana Tanveer Hussain, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif supports maintaining a wheat support price to protect farmers’ interests.
The minister explained that Sindh directly procured wheat from farmers during the procurement season, while Punjab adopted a public-private partnership model.
Under Punjab’s model, wheat was reportedly purchased at approximately Rs3,200 per maund.
Rana Tanveer said the Ministry of National Food Security had earlier advised provinces to consider increasing procurement prices to Rs3,800 per maund if shortages emerged during the season.
However, he noted that none of the provincial governments responded to the ministry’s recommendation.
Focus on Agricultural Development
Apart from wheat, the parliamentary committee also discussed measures to strengthen Pakistan’s agricultural research sector.
Members directed the Ministry of National Food Security and Research to actively pursue the inclusion of the proposed Dates Research Centre in Khairpur in the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP).
Lawmakers described the project as important for improving Pakistan’s date production, supporting agricultural research, increasing exports, and enhancing the country’s competitiveness in international markets.
Final Decision Still Pending
The federal government has yet to announce when a final decision regarding wheat imports will be made.
Officials are expected to complete consultations with provincial governments after receiving updated information about available wheat stocks and projected demand for the coming months.
The outcome of the assessment will determine whether Pakistan proceeds with the proposed one million-ton wheat import or relies on existing domestic reserves to meet national requirements.
The issue remains significant for both consumers and farmers, as the government’s decision will influence wheat prices, food security, agricultural policy, and overall market stability in the months ahead.
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