PTI Demands Probe into Wheat Crisis Amid Government Import Decision

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Sindh Vice President Rizwan Niazi has expressed concerns over the country's wheat situation, questioning the government's decision to import one million metric tonnes of wheat. This move comes despite earlier claims that Pakistan had sufficient domestic stocks.

Niazi pointed out that the government had stated that Pakistan produced a bumper wheat crop and had 31 million metric tonnes of wheat available. However, the subsequent decision to import wheat within a few months raised questions about planning, stock management, and policy implementation.

The PTI Sindh leader argued that imported wheat is being procured at approximately Rs4,675 per 40 kilograms, while local farmers are offered around Rs3,000 per 40 kilograms for their produce. This pricing disparity discourages domestic agricultural production and places additional financial pressure on the national economy.

Niazi questioned the whereabouts of the reported wheat stocks and asked why shortages had emerged if adequate reserves were available. He also raised concerns about the government's policy implementation, specifically regarding the procurement of wheat directly from farmers.