Pakistan to Import of 2.5 mln more Wheat  
By Ansr Mehmood 'Pakistan Times' Special Correspondent

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani Monday directed Ministry of Food and Agriculture to import additional 2.5 million tons of wheat, including the 1.5 million tons already approved by the Economic Coordination Committee.

Chairing a meeting to review food situation in the country, the Prime Minister said the imported wheat would be in addition to procurements from local market in order to build strategic reserves for meeting country’s future requirements.

The Prime Minister termed food shortage a global phenomenon whose effects were being felt in every country including Pakistan and the government was taking timely measures for meeting these challenges.

He said ensuring food security particularly of a staple item like wheat was the top most priority of the government and the leadership of the coalition partners was fully committed in this regard.

The Prime Minister said provincial governments and law enforcement agencies had been asked to take effective measures for controlling smuggling and hoarding of wheat besides taking strict action against profiteers.

Secretary MINFAL Ziaur Rehman briefed the meeting about the wheat procurement situation in the country and said targets of procurement would be ensured in all four provinces, besides active buying by the PASCO itself.

The meeting also reviewed the rice stocks and supply situation and expressed satisfaction over situation of rice in the country. The Prime Minister was told that the country had surplus reserves of Irri, the most widely consumed variety of rice in Pakistan.

The Prime Minister directed that agreement with Rice Export Association Pakistan (REAP) regarding availability of 200,000 tons of rice to Utility Stores Corporation and maintenance of additional reserves of 300,000 tons should be ensured and implemented in letter and spirit.

He said the step would ensure adequate supply of rice to the consumers at reasonable price. He also directed to review the situation to ensure adequate supply of pulses such as grams, masoor, mung and mash in the market.

The stock and supply situation of pulses also came under deliberation during the meeting. The Prime Minister said that availability of essential food items at reasonable rates to the people should be ensured.

Earlier in a separate meeting, Senior Federal Minister for Food, Agriculture and Livestock Ch. Nisar Ali Khan gave the Prime Minister a general overview of the food situation in the country.

Federal Minister for Finance, Ishaq Dar, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Secretary Commerce, Secretary Cabinet, Secretary Finance, Secretary Food and Agriculture also attended the meeting.●