Pakistan Would not Import Wheat in 2024, Confirms Food Security Secretary

Pakistan will not be importing wheat this year due to sufficient domestic stocks, as confirmed by Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry, Secretary of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R), during a briefing to the National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security and Research.

Chaudhry stated that the government would not set a support price for wheat in the 2024-25 season, as part of its agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to deregulate wheat prices. He assured that neither the federal nor provincial governments would need to import wheat, as provinces have adequate reserves for the time being.

He also highlighted that there were no concerns over wheat supply and that the private sector would be involved in improving storage capacities.

In response to concerns from MNA Muhammad Naeem Watto, Chaudhry mentioned that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had formed a committee to devise a wheat procurement plan for the upcoming 2024-25 Food Year, and the committee's recommendations would be submitted soon. Watto expressed worries that farmers might avoid wheat cultivation due to challenges like high temperatures and low rainfall in Punjab, which could negatively impact this year’s production. He warned that without reasonable prices, wheat production in the next season could be at risk.

Chaudhry also revealed that upcoming projects under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) would be included in the Uraan Pakistan economic plan, overseen by the Prime Minister and Planning Commission.

Committee Chairman Syed Hussain Tariq emphasized the need for a long-term food security strategy, especially with the expected population growth in the coming decade, and urged the ministry to present a comprehensive food security plan. Officials noted that 18 of the 26 ongoing schemes would continue into the next fiscal year, with 36 new projects slated to be introduced.