TRADE & ECONOMY

The federal government has decided not to purchase wheat this year. This decision was announced by Federal Minister for Food Security, Rana Tanveer Hussain, who submitted a detailed report to the National Assembly outlining the reasons behind this choice.
According to the minister, the government’s decision is a direct result of IMF-imposed conditions, which are part of Pakistan's ongoing economic commitments under the international financial agreement. The minister further stated that the wheat production in 2025 is expected to be sufficient to meet the country's wheat demands for the 2025-2026 period.
Rana Tanveer Hussain clarified that any decisions related to wheat imports or exports will be made based on market demand, ensuring that the country remains in line with its economic and agricultural needs.
In response to the situation, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has formed a cabinet committee tasked with formulating a wheat policy for the country. Additionally, the Prime Minister has also formed a cabinet committee on essential commodities, which has already held two meetings under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister.
This decision not to purchase wheat raises concerns for some farmers and stakeholders in the agricultural sector, who may rely on government procurement to ensure fair prices and stabilize the market. The government’s stance, however, is aligned with market-driven decisions that aim to control costs and adhere to the terms of the IMF agreement.