KARACHI: The first vessel carrying 60,804 metric tons of wheat from Ukraine will reach Karachi port on Wednesday afternoon.
This import is part of the government’s efforts to ensure relief in wake of ongoing price hike of wheat flour which has surpassed over Rs100 per kilogram in various parts of the country.
Last week, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Syed Fakhar Imam on his way back from Tharparkar after chairing the special weekly session of National Locust Control Centre (NLCC) in Mithi had visited the Department of Plant Protection (DPP), to supervise efforts to ensure hassle-free wheat import.
The minister was apprised that a proactive approach was opted resulting in strong coordination between public and private sector institutions both in Pakistan and the countries of wheat export. He said the extraordinary efforts of his ministry led to the timely wheat import.
Earlier last week, Federal Secretary for the Food Security Ministry Omar Hamid Khan had visited Karachi consult all stakeholders involved in wheat import-chain including Karachi Port Trust, wheat importers, plant quarantine authorities and Sindh government.
He assured full support of the government to the private sector to deliver timely wheat supply to mills for curbing high prices of wheat flour. He reiterated that wheat is a staple food and the government would take all necessary measures to keep it in the buying power of common masses.
He further urged all the stakeholders to contribute in this national issue. The federal secretary insisted on the urgent clearance of wheat from Karachi port after mandatory inspections and quick transportation to the whole country.
The first eight vessels carrying around 500,000 metric tons of wheat will reach Karachi port by the last week of September.
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