No wheat shortage in Pakistan, hoarders and price manipulators to face action: Rana Tanveer

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has assured the nation that Pakistan has sufficient wheat stocks to meet domestic demand, dismissing concerns about any shortage.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain has assured the nation that Pakistan has sufficient wheat stocks to meet domestic demand, dismissing concerns about any shortage. He warned that the government would take strict administrative and legal action against hoarders and those involved in artificially increasing wheat prices.

The assurance came during the ninth meeting of the Wheat Board, chaired by the federal minister, where senior officials reviewed the country’s wheat production, procurement, availability, stock position and prevailing market prices. The meeting brought together the Secretary of the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, chief secretaries of Punjab and Sindh, provincial food and agriculture secretaries, senior ministry officials, representatives of the Pakistan Flour Mills Association and other stakeholders from the agriculture and food sectors.

According to an official statement issued after the meeting, participants conducted a comprehensive assessment of the wheat situation across all provinces. Representatives from the provincial governments unanimously confirmed that adequate wheat stocks are available throughout the country and that no region is facing a shortage.

Rana Tanveer Hussain described the current wheat outlook as encouraging, stating that this year’s wheat production is estimated to be approximately 1.36 million metric tons higher than the previous year’s output. He noted that the increase reflects improved production and strengthens the country’s food security.

The Wheat Board also reached a unanimous conclusion that the projected wheat production target for the current season has been successfully achieved. Officials expressed confidence that the available reserves are sufficient to meet national consumption requirements and maintain market stability.

During the meeting, participants emphasized the importance of continuous monitoring of wheat markets across the country. Provincial governments were urged to keep a close watch on supply chains, market prices and stock levels to prevent any disruption in wheat availability.

The board further stressed that close coordination between the federal and provincial governments would be essential to ensuring effective market management. Participants agreed that timely sharing of information and regular communication would help authorities respond quickly to any emerging challenges.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting consumers, the federal minister said ensuring the availability of wheat at affordable prices remains one of the government’s highest priorities. He stated that the federal government, working in collaboration with provincial administrations, would employ all available administrative and legal measures to curb hoarding, eliminate market manipulation and maintain a stable supply of wheat across the country.

Rana Tanveer Hussain also directed the relevant departments to strengthen market surveillance mechanisms and improve coordination among regulatory institutions. He instructed authorities to take immediate and strict action against individuals or groups involved in hoarding, disrupting wheat supplies or creating artificial price hikes for financial gain.

Officials expressed confidence that effective monitoring, coordinated policymaking and timely enforcement would help maintain price stability and ensure uninterrupted wheat supplies for consumers in the months ahead.