ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif rejected any possibility of giving go-ahead to private sector to import wheat after catastrophic floods compromised country’s food security by wiping out cereal crop from thousands of acres of farmland.

“In view of an emergency situation, I will not allow private sector to import wheat,” he said, adding that government was aiming to get better bidding on wheat. PM ruled out idea while chairing a review meeting of National Flood Response and Coordination Centre.

He said wheat production was likely to drop in coming season because of floods, but wheat import by private sector was out of question. During meeting, he urged Punjab and Khyber Pukhtunkhwa governments to rise above politics as country was grappling with floods-led losses and join centre’s seed-distribution drive to enable farmers of affected areas to cultivate wheat.

He offered two provinces to collaborate with federal government under scheme, which will ensure funding for wheat seeds with a contribution of 50 percent from both sides. Pm mentioned that Sindh and Balochistan had already agreed to join federal seed-distribution scheme. However, despite offer by centre, Punjab and KP refused to cooperate and instead indulged in playing politics on matter, which is regrettable, PM said “I request you to accept offer in view of plight of flood-hit farmers. And if you still reject it, then don’t twist facts that Centre is not extending assistance,” he said in a meeting also joined by Punjab and KP chief secretaries.

He emphasised that Pakistan as a federation was comprised of its federating units and situation called for unity at national level. He said China was sending high-quality ‘winter tents’ for flood-struck people to help them cope with harsh cold. Meanwhile, he directed to cut reliance on imported fuel for power generation and utilise local resources instead to produce cheaper electricity.

Prime Minister ordered taking every possible measure to ensure supply of electricity. Briefing by Ministry of Energy focused on demand and supply of electricity as well as estimates of fuel required for power generation.

Published in The Daily National Courier, October, 21 2022

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