Private Sector Rejects Government Plan for State-Led Wheat Imports

Pakistan's private sector importers are opposing the government's plan to review a proposal for state-led wheat imports through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP), citing concerns that this could lead to billions in losses and undermine the country's deregulation policy.

The Cereal Association of Pakistan (CAP) Chairman Muzzamil Chappal expressed strong opposition to any move by the government to intervene in the wheat market, which he believes is more efficient when left to private sector importers.

Chappal argued that the private sector has already demonstrated its ability to ensure uninterrupted wheat supplies without government support. In fact, they imported 2.7 million tonnes of wheat in FY24 without any subsidies or public financing, helping maintain adequate wheat and flour supplies across the country.

The wholesale wheat prices in Karachi are currently hovering around Rs116-120 per kg, and could rise to Rs125 per kg if imports are delayed. However, allowing the private sector to import wheat in line with international market trends could bring prices down to Rs95-100 per kg.