Pakistan Considers Tax-Free Wheat Imports Amid Strategic Reserve Shortages

The Pakistani government is considering exempting wheat imports from all federal taxes and duties to rebuild the country's strategic wheat reserves. The Ministry of National Food Security has proposed a complete waiver of federal taxes and import duties on wheat, as well as an exemption from the Provincial Infrastructure Development Cess.

According to sources, the government plans to import up to 1 million tons of wheat to address shortages in strategic reserves. The cost of supplying the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation's wheat stocks to the provinces is estimated at around Rs. 141 billion, while the proposed wheat imports are expected to cost approximately $340 million.

The Economic Coordination Committee has constituted a steering committee, headed by the Deputy Prime Minister, to oversee matters related to wheat imports as the government moves forward with plans to replenish the country's strategic wheat reserves.