ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister (PM) Imran Khan has directed to ensure availability of sufficient stock of wheat in line with the requirements of the commodity in the country.
Chairing a meeting here on Tuesday on availability of wheat and sugar and their prices in the country, the PM said that wheat and sugar are basic needs of the people and availability of these commodities should be ensured at reasonable prices.
The PM was apprised that 400,000 metric tons of wheat has so far been imported by the private sector, while one million metric tons of the commodities will arrive in the country next month.
Chairman Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) informed that 1.5 million metric tons of wheat is being imported by the government for which a tender to procure 330,000 metric tons has been floated, while more tenders will be offered soon.
“Besides private investors, we are also importing wheat through government to government agreements,” he said.
The chairman said that sugar was also imported in the country and they are ensuring that a balance is created between the demand and supply of the commodity in the local market.
Chief secretary Punjab said that the sugar mills have been strictly conveyed to start crushing by November 15 and a Rs5,000 fine on the mills per day would be imposed for delaying the crushing process.
Imran Khan directed that he should continuously be kept abreast about progress in import of wheat.
It is pertinent to mention here that Prime Minister Imran Khan had already instructed strict adherence to a ‘zero tolerance’ policy on the act of wheat and sugar hoarding in June this year.
