Pakistan approves 1 million‑ton wheat import and creates panel to assess provincial needs

The Pakistani government approved the import of 1 million metric tons of wheat to address reported shortages, curb rising flour prices and stabilise the domestic market.

The Economic Coordination Committee, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, formed a high‑powered steering committee led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The committee includes the ministers of commerce, economic affairs, law, senior federal officials, the chairman of the Federal Board of Revenue, the head of the state‑run Trading Corporation of Pakistan and the chief secretaries of all four provinces. Its mandate is to assess provincial wheat requirements and devise an operational mechanism for the import and distribution of the grain.

The decision follows concerns that domestic wheat output has fallen short of the target of 29.68 million tonnes for the 2025‑26 winter season, with recent estimates around 27.48 million tonnes, and reports of shortages particularly in Sindh. The government aims to ensure balanced allocation of the imported wheat across all provinces and protect food security for the population.