Pakistan Seeks Imported Wheat Amid 1.7 Million Metric Tons Shortfall

Pakistan's government has decided to import 750,000 metric tons of wheat to bridge the gap between domestic production and consumption. The country's annual wheat consumption is estimated at around 31.3 million metric tons, while wheat production during the current year is estimated at approximately 29.6 million metric tons, creating a shortfall of around 1.7 million metric tons.

The Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) has issued an international tender for the import of wheat on a Cost and Freight (CFR) basis through the ports of Karachi and Gwadar. The imported wheat must be sourced from the latest crop, while offers for quantities below 50,000 metric tons will not be accepted.

The wheat will be distributed among the provinces according to their requirements. Sindh will receive 300,000 metric tons, Punjab 250,000 metric tons, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 200,000 metric tons, sources said. A committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar approved the import of 750,000 metric tons of wheat.