Ahad Cheema chairs meeting to review national wheat stocks, supply strategy

ISLAMABAD, Jul 20 (APP): Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema chaired a high-level meeting to review the country’s wheat stocks, market conditions, and future supply strategy.

The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, Secretary National Food Security Amir Ali Ahmed, Adviser to the CM KP on Finance Muzammil Aslam, Sindh Minister for Food Mehboob Zaman, Additional Chief Secretary Punjab Ahmed Raza, Additional Chief Secretary Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Secretary CMB Balochistan, and other senior officials, said a news release issued here on Monday.

Representatives of all provinces briefed the meeting on the current wheat stock position, market trends, and anticipated requirements in their respective regions.

They informed the meeting that the wheat market remains stable across the country, with no immediate shortage or crisis.

The provinces also highlighted that strict action against hoarding and market manipulation is continuing to prevent artificial shortages and unjustified price increases.

Addressing the participants, Ahad Cheema said that wheat stocks would be released to the provinces in accordance with the MoUs signed with the PASSCO.

He assured the provinces that additional wheat would be made available whenever required to meet any emerging demand.

The meeting also reviewed the option of importing wheat to strengthen strategic reserves, if necessary.

Ahad Cheema stressed that any decision on imports would be taken only after a comprehensive assessment of domestic market conditions. He emphasized that protecting the interests of local farmers and growers would remain the government’s foremost priority and that no decision would be made at their expense.

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain informed the meeting that PASSCO is providing full support to provincial governments to ensure smooth wheat supply and effective stock management.

Concluding the meeting, Ahad Cheema reiterated that the federal and provincial governments are working in close coordination to ensure uninterrupted wheat availability, maintain market stability, and safeguard both consumers and farmers across the country.