ISLAMABAD: Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar has instructed the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) to promptly distribute wheat to the provinces according to their approved allocations. The directive came during a meeting in Islamabad focused on reviewing the country’s wheat stock situation.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Deputy Prime Minister also emphasized the necessity for provinces to ensure timely payments and the lifting of their allocated wheat supplies. Furthermore, the meeting reiterated the decision to import up to one million metric tonnes of wheat, with the Trading Corporation of Pakistan tasked with initiating the process immediately. In the initial phase, 750,000 metric tonnes are set to be imported, with delivery planned for November.

Dar highlighted the importance of close coordination among all relevant institutions to maintain adequate wheat availability, stabilize prices, and provide relief to consumers across Pakistan. He expressed appreciation for the cooperation from all provinces, the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, and the Ministry of Commerce, particularly in addressing issues related to wheat imports, price stabilization, and hoarding prevention.