ISLAMABAD: Crucial piece of evidence has emerged shedding light on brewing conflict between federal and provincial governments, posing significant threat to agricultural sector.

High-level inquiry committee, formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in its investigation, found letter which was penned by Secretary of Food, Punjab, addressing Secretary of National Food Security.

On March 25, 2024, Punjab government took decisive step by addressing letter to Secretary of National Food Security, urging immediate halt of wheat imports totaling 2.6 million tonnes.Despite letter, prohibiting Secretary of National Food Security from procuring wheat, federal government proceeded to import staggering 8.5 million tonnes of wheat.

Punjab’s Food Secretary in letter opposes continuation of wheat imports, citing already alarming import figure of 3.4 million tonnes and potential surplus it would create in market.

Moreover, letter underscores Punjab’s substantial wheat stocks, currently standing at 2.2 million tonnes, figure that could exacerbate surplus dilemma if not addressed promptly, which can negatively impact local farmers.

Meanwhile, it has been revealed that current Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was Minister in charge of National Food Security during ‘excessive import of wheat’.

Sources close to development revealed this period falls together with tenure of Shehbaz Sharif, who was serving as Minister in charge of National Food Security at time of wheat import in March 2024.

Later, on April 3, Prime Minister took decisive action by assigning additional portfolio of National Food Security to Rana Tanveer, additionally, placing Secretary Food Muhammad Asif on Officer on Special Duty status in connection with wheat import issue.

Published in The Daily National Courier, May, 06 2024

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.