LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Tuesday approved the procurement of one million metric tonnes of wheat from the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) to help stabilize wheat and flour prices across the province. The decision was made during a special video-link meeting chaired by the chief minister to review the wheat and flour situation.
Procurement Plan Details
The approved purchase plan involves obtaining wheat from PASSCO and supplying it to flour mills at Rs 3,300 per maund. This initiative aims to ensure the availability of affordable flour and bread for consumers throughout Punjab. The chief minister emphasized the importance of maintaining price stability in the wheat and flour market to protect consumers' interests.
Addressing Supply Concerns
The meeting also addressed concerns regarding reports of restrictions on the supply of wheat from Punjab to other provinces, particularly Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh. A detailed report presented during the session stated that claims about restrictions on wheat movement from Punjab to any province were not supported by facts. Officials further informed participants that no complaint had been received regarding the suspension of wheat supplies to Sindh.
Wheat Stock Declaration and Crop Quality
During the briefing, officials said the process of wheat stock declaration was continuing across the province, and comprehensive data collection was underway to assess and meet Punjab's food requirements. They added that the grain size of the current wheat crop was comparatively smaller than usual. The meeting decided that after fulfilling its own food requirements, Punjab would continue to discharge its responsibility of supplying wheat to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Monitoring and Consumer Protection
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz directed the relevant authorities to maintain close monitoring of the wheat situation and ensure effective measures to safeguard consumers' interests and maintain stability in the wheat and flour market. The approval of this procurement is seen as a significant step to address potential price hikes and ensure food security in the province.
