Pakistan Wheat Traders Demand Private Imports Amid Shortage

Wheat traders in Pakistan have urged the government to allow private imports of wheat, rejecting the state-run Trading Corporation of Pakistan's (TCP) proposal for a single large import. The Cereal Association of Pakistan (CAP) has proposed importing four million metric tons of wheat in phases, with immediate approval for two million metric tons followed by another two million metric tons subject to market conditions.

CAP Chairman Muzammil Chappal said that unrestricted private imports would ensure adequate supply and maximum benefit for consumers. He noted that the government had announced deregulation of wheat imports two years ago, but has yet to honour this commitment.

Chappal warned that any delay in permitting imports could worsen the wheat shortage, escalate prices further, and add to hardship for consumers across Pakistan. He estimated that unrestricted private imports linked to international market trends could bring down domestic wheat prices from Rs120 per kg to Rs95-100 per kg.