PM Shehbaz Sharif vows transparency in wheat scandal

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has vowed to bring transparency to light regarding the wheat import scandal that has plagued the government. During a meeting with Cabinet Division Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal, PM Shehbaz emphasized the need to hold those responsible for the scandal accountable. He directed Afzal to identify the individuals involved and submit a comprehensive report by Monday.

The crisis unfolded as Balochistan and Punjab faced difficulties in purchasing wheat from farmers due to an oversupply caused by excessive imports. This surplus has led to a decrease in wheat prices, posing a significant challenge for farmers.

Former caretaker prime minister Kakar denied any involvement in the crisis, stating that overseeing wheat production was not within his purview. Contrary to his claims, documents revealed that the import of 3.4 million metric tonnes of wheat fell short of the required 4 million metric tonnes, resulting in a loss of over Rs300 billion to the national exchequer.

To address the farmers' plight, PM Shehbaz announced plans to procure 1.8 million metric tonnes of wheat through Passco. He emphasized the government's commitment to safeguarding farmers' economic interests and formed a national food security committee to facilitate wheat procurement and address concerns within four days.

The investigation into the scandal highlighted discrepancies in wheat stock levels and import costs. The documents showed that the government imported wheat at a high price, exacerbating the financial impact of the crisis. Despite challenges in the probe, Secretary Afzal clarified that key figures like Kakar and the former caretaker chief minister of Punjab were not summoned for questioning.

In conclusion, PM Shehbaz's proactive measures to stabilize wheat prices and support farmers demonstrate the government's commitment to resolving the crisis and ensuring food security for the nation.