Pakistan wheat supply declared stable as minister denies shortage amid import calls

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain told a wheat board meeting that Pakistan has sufficient wheat stocks and no shortage, citing an estimated 1.36 million‑tonne increase in production over the previous year. He warned against hoarding and said authorities would act to keep prices affordable.

Other officials and industry representatives, however, warned of a possible deficit of more than 3.5 million tonnes and urged the government to import at least 2 million tonnes to avoid a food‑security crisis. Provincial reserves were reported as low in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, while Punjab claimed it had met its production target of 21.9 million tonnes. The differing assessments highlight ongoing debate over import policy and market oversight.