Centre rules out wheat crisis, orders provinces to prevent flour price hikes during Ramazan
ISLAMABAD:
The federal government on Saturday said adequate wheat stocks are available across the country to meet consumption needs until the arrival of the new crop, assuring that there is no risk of a shortage and that coordinated measures are in place to maintain price stability.
The assurance was given during the 6th meeting of the National Wheat Oversight Committee, chaired by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain, which reviewed wheat procurement arrangements, stock availability and price management ahead of the upcoming harvesting season.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, senior officials from the federal and provincial governments attended the meeting and presented briefings on procurement preparedness, existing stock positions and supply management strategies.
The committee was informed that wheat stocks in all provinces are sufficient to meet national consumption requirements until fresh supplies enter the market. The federal government reiterated that coordinated federalprovincial mechanisms are in place to ensure uninterrupted supply across markets. During the meeting, provinces shared updates on their procurement approaches. The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government informed the committee that it has adopted a hybrid procurement model, with 75% public sector participation and 25% private sector involvement, aimed at improving efficiency and market responsiveness. Sindh, meanwhile, said wheat procurement would be carried out through the public sector to ensure supply stability and effective price management.
The committee was also informed that the illustrative wheat procurement price has been fixed at Rs3,500 per 40 kilograms, and provinces have been sensitised to ensure smooth implementation of procurement operations.
The federal minister said the current procurement framework would remain applicable for one year, adding that work is under way on a comprehensive long-term wheat policy for 20262030. He said the proposed policy would focus on digital traceability, improved supply chain monitoring, greater transparency and sustained price stability to strengthen national food security and improve coordination between the centre and provinces.
Special emphasis was placed on consumer protection during Ramazan, with the minister directing provincial authorities to ensure strict market monitoring and take effective administrative measures to prevent any unwarranted increase in flour prices. Reaffirming the government’s position, Hussain said coordinated efforts between the federal and provincial governments would continue to ensure stable wheat availability, protect farmers’ interests and keep prices affordable for consumers across the country.
