ISLAMABAD: The wheat crisis has taken a fresh twist as Punjab and Sindh governments shifted their positions on imports, leaving the federal government struggling to finalize a strategy despite three high‑level meetings last week.
Media reports quoted sources saying that in a meeting chaired by Federal Minister Rana Tanveer, Punjab demanded its name be removed from the wheat import plan.
Days later, during an August 11 meeting led by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Sindh officials echoed the same demand, prompting Dar’s anger at what he termed a “U‑turn” by the provinces. He directed authorities to consult again on the issue.
By August 15, Sindh softened its stance, proposing imports of 300,000 tonnes instead of the earlier 500,000.
Punjab, however, remained undecided, while Khyber Pakhtunkhwa sought 200,000 tonnes. Another crucial meeting has now been scheduled this week to determine final import quantities and provincial shares.
These shifting positions highlight the absence of a coherent national wheat policy.
Just days earlier, it may be recalled, Sindh Food Minister Makhdoom Mehboob‑uz‑Zaman had opposed imports outright, warning they would harm local farmers.
Punjab, meanwhile, continues to face questions over its inability to trace nearly four million tonnes believed to be hoarded, while flour prices have surged past Rs3,000 per 20‑kg bag in several cities.
Fear of Losing Public Support
Officials and analysts say the hesitation of Punjab and Sindh is not merely about economics. Both provinces are wary of the political fallout from the proposed 28th Amendment, which could pave the way for the creation of new provinces.
With flour prices already soaring above Rs3,000 per 20‑kg bag in major cities, neither provincial government can afford to anger farmers or the wider public. Any misstep risks fueling nationalist sentiment and shifting support to local groups advocating greater autonomy.
Adding to the uncertainty, rumors are circulating that farmers — frustrated by inconsistent procurement policies and the withdrawal of the wheat support price under IMF conditions — are planning protest demonstrations and marches.
If realized, such mobilization could intensify pressure on the government to abandon short‑term fixes and pursue structural reforms in procurement, pricing, and storage.
Observers believe the present crisis underscores Pakistan’s paradox: an agrarian country repeatedly forced into emergency measures, where policy reversals and indecision deepen the mess each year, leaving both farmers and consumers at risk.
