Pakistan’s plan to import up to one million metric tons of wheat has faced hesitation from provincial governments.
Punjab and other provinces appear reluctant to submit fresh demands for imported wheat, according to sources. The federal government has, in principle, decided to import up to one million metric tons.
The proposed wheat imports are expected to cost around $340 million. However, provinces have shown reluctance to request additional wheat beyond supplies already available through PASSCO.
Provinces Hesitate Over Additional Wheat Demand
The federal government reviewed the wheat import issue during a meeting held on Sunday.
The meeting was chaired by the Federal Minister for National Food Security and included federal and provincial officials.
Representatives from PASSCO and the Trading Corporation of Pakistan also attended the meeting.
Tariq Bajwa was among those present during the discussions on the proposed wheat imports.
However, officials did not reach a final decision regarding the quantity or mechanism for additional imports.
The matter therefore remains under consideration as the government assesses provincial requirements and available stocks.
Provinces Report Shortfalls in Strategic Reserves
Provincial governments have reported significant shortfalls in their strategic wheat reserves.
Despite these shortages, they have remained reluctant to submit written requests for wheat beyond PASSCO’s available stocks.
The provinces will continue using wheat held in PASSCO reserves to meet their requirements.
This position has created uncertainty over the actual quantity that may ultimately need to be imported.
Consequently, the federal government is continuing to examine the demand and supply situation before finalising the import mechanism.
PASSCO Holds Nearly 1.8 Million Tons of Wheat
PASSCO had around 1.783 million metric tons of wheat in stock during the first week of July.
The available stock remains an important factor in determining the provinces’ immediate wheat requirements.
At the same time, the federal proposal for importing up to one million metric tons is linked to provincial demand.
Sources said the proposed import quantity was based on the demand and supply situation reported by the provinces.
Therefore, the government must balance reported reserve shortages against wheat already available through PASSCO.
Wheat Import Plan Remains Under Review
The Economic Coordination Committee has already constituted a steering committee to oversee matters related to wheat imports.
The committee is headed by the Deputy Prime Minister and will supervise issues connected with the proposed imports.
However, Sunday’s review meeting did not produce a final decision on the quantity or import mechanism.
The government is therefore expected to continue examining the issue as provincial requirements become clearer.
For now, provinces will rely on PASSCO stocks while the federal government assesses whether additional imports are necessary.
The proposed one-million-ton wheat import plan consequently remains under review, with the final decision yet to be made.
