ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema chaired a high-level meeting on Monday to review Pakistan’s wheat stocks, market conditions and future supply strategy, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted wheat availability across the country.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Secretary National Food Security Amir Ali Ahmed, Adviser to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister on Finance Muzammil Aslam, Sindh Food Minister Mehboob Zaman, Additional Chief Secretary Punjab Ahmed Raza, senior officials from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, and other stakeholders.
Provincial representatives briefed the meeting on wheat stock levels, market trends and projected requirements in their respective regions. They informed participants that the wheat market remains stable nationwide, with no immediate shortage or supply crisis.
The provinces also reported that strict action against hoarding and market manipulation is continuing to prevent artificial shortages and unjustified price increases.
Addressing the meeting, Ahad Cheema said wheat stocks would be released to the provinces in accordance with the Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed with the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO). He assured provincial governments that additional wheat would be supplied whenever needed to meet any emerging demand.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of importing wheat to strengthen the country’s strategic reserves if required. However, Cheema said any decision on imports would only be taken after a comprehensive assessment of domestic market conditions.
He emphasized that protecting the interests of local farmers and growers would remain the government’s top priority and that no policy decision would be made at their expense.
Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain said PASSCO is fully supporting provincial governments to ensure smooth wheat distribution and effective stock management.
Concluding the meeting, Ahad Cheema said the federal and provincial governments are working in close coordination to maintain market stability, ensure uninterrupted wheat supplies and protect the interests of both consumers and farmers.
