Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has pledged full transparency regarding the wheat import scandal, affirming that the government will disclose all findings to the public.
“We will put everything before the nation” stated PM Shehbaz during a meeting with Cabinet Division Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal, who heads the investigation into the matter.
Directing Afzal to assign accountability and inform the individuals accountable for the scandal, the premier instructed the cabinet secretary to formulate recommendations based on available records and documents, with a final report due by Monday.
These remarks from the prime minister come amidst a challenging situation for the federal government, as both Balochistan and Punjab struggle to purchase wheat from farmers due to an excess stock, allegedly caused by an over-import of the crop.
The failure of provincial governments to procure wheat has led to a decline in prices, deeply concerning farmers.
Responding to criticisms, former caretaker prime minister Kakar denied involvement in the crisis, emphasizing that overseeing wheat production was not within the purview of a prime minister’s duties.
Regarding the decision to import wheat, Kakar clarified that only 3.4 million metric tonnes were imported, while the actual shortage was 4 million metric tonnes.
Sources reveal that the Ministry of National Food Security informed PM Shehbaz’s cabinet that 28.18 million tonnes of wheat were produced last year, leading to a decision by the caretaker government to import an additional 2.45 million tonnes.
This excessive import reportedly incurred a loss of over Rs300 billion to the national exchequer.
In response to farmers’ difficulties, PM Shehbaz chaired a meeting in Lahore, reassuring the procurement of 1.8 million metric tonnes of wheat through Passco to alleviate farmers’ economic hardships.
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to protecting farmers’ economic interests, the PM ordered officials to oversee wheat procurement personally.
Additionally, PM Shehbaz formed a national food security committee to address farmers’ concerns and ensure their facilitation in wheat procurement within four days.
Secretary Afzal, briefing the prime minister on investigation challenges, clarified that Kakar and former caretaker CM Punjab Mohsin Naqvi were not summoned by the investigation team.
Government documents reveal a carry-forward stock of 113,529 metric tonnes of wheat when PM Shehbaz assumed office. The caretaker government imported wheat costing Rs98.5 billion, with 75% of wheat procurement targets achieved from provinces last year.
The documents also detail wheat quotas allocated to various institutions and provincial governments for 2022-23.
