Wheat Import Scam: investigation uncovers 1.3MT substandard wheat

Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif was briefed on Saturday regarding the initial findings of the wheat import inquiry in Islamabad.

The Hum Investigation Team (HIT) has uncovered significant initial findings revealing ineffective wheat imports valued at Rs125 billion.

The Cabinet Division Secretary and the Secretary of Food have apprised the Prime Minister of the initial investigation. Documents indicate that permission was granted to import wheat worth Rs330 billion from August 2023 to March 2024.

The documents further reveal irregularities in one million metric tons of wheat. The PTI government had delayed the decision on wheat imports since July 2023.

During the caretaker government’s tenure, Pakistan imported 28 lakh metric tons of wheat at a cost of Rs250 billion. However, the current government has imported 7 lakh metric tons of wheat at a cost of 80 billion rupees.

Overall, Pakistan has spent one billion and 10 crore dollars on wheat imports. In October 2024, 425,000 metric tons of wheat were imported, while in November 2023, 500,000 metric tons of wheat were imported.

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According to the report, 335,000 metric tons of wheat were imported in December 2023. Wheat was imported from six countries using 70 vessels, with the first vessel arriving on September 20 last year and the last vessel arriving on March 31 this year.

In January 2024, seven lakh metric tons of wheat were imported, while in February 2024, 880,000 metric tons of wheat were imported. Wheat was imported from abroad at a rate of 280 to 295 dollars per metric ton.

The Treasury Department had also granted permission for the private sector to import ten lakh metric tons of wheat through private channels.