Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken significant steps in the investigation of the wheat import scandal. He has given the green light to take action against certain officers responsible for poor planning and negligence. However, no top officials of the caretaker government have been implicated in the inquiry committee’s report.
The Prime Minister formed a probe committee, led by Secretary Cabinet Division Kamran Ali Afzal, to look into the wheat import matter. This decision came after concerns arose regarding excess wheat stock, leaving Balochistan and Punjab governments unable to buy the crop from farmers.
Earlier instructions from the Prime Minister directed Afzal to identify those responsible for the scandal. The committee was tasked to analyze available records and documents to fix accountability.
The surplus wheat stock is linked to the decision of the caretaker government, led by former caretaker prime minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, to import a significant amount of wheat. However, Kakar denies the allegations, stating that the imported quantity was less than claimed, and there was actually a wheat shortage.
Reports from the Ministry of National Food Security indicate that last year, 28.18 million tonnes of wheat were produced, and the caretaker government decided to import an additional 2.45 million tonnes.
In light of these findings, action is being taken against former federal secretary of national food security Muhammad Asif and several other officials, including AD Abid, Dr. Wasim, Sohail, and Imtiaz Gopang.
Additionally, Prime Minister Shehbaz has called for a high-level meeting today. This meeting will include Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer, officials from the Pakistan Agricultural and Storage and Services Corporation (Passco), and the food security department. The aim is to discuss wheat procurement and address issues faced by farmers, ensuring progress in meeting the procurement targets.
