PM orders probe into wheat import

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, after going through a report of permission to private sector to import excessive wheat quantity during 2023-24, has constituted a four-member inquiry committee.

The inquiry committee headed by Cabinet Division Secretary Kamran Afzal also comprises Additional Secretary Finance Amjad Mahmood, Additional Secretary Trade Ahsan Ali Mangi and head of Chief Minister’s Inspection, Inquiries and Implementation team Shakil Ahmad Mangejo.

The prime minister has given four days to the committee to fix responsibilities for import of wheat beyond demand and permission to open LCs after the month of February.

During the month of March, the private sector was allowed to import 6.91 million metric tons of wheat worth Rs57.192 billion.

During tenure of last interim government, the private sector was allowed to import over 2.7 million metric tons of wheat worth Rs225.78 billion by the month of February.

The private sector imported over 3.4 million metric tons of wheat worth Rs282.97 billion and the payment was also made in foreign currency.