Govt says wheat stocks stable, more supply available if needed

July 21, 2026 (MLN): The government has decided to release wheat stocks to the provinces under the MoUs signed with the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO), assuring that additional supplies will be made available whenever required to meet emerging demand.

Officials said the wheat market remains stable nationwide, with no immediate shortage or crisis, adding that strict action against hoarding and market manipulation is continuing to prevent artificial shortages and unjustified price hikes, said a press release issued.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema 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 Chief Minister 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, with representatives of all provinces briefing participants on current stock positions, market trends, and anticipated regional requirements.

The meeting also reviewed the option of importing wheat to strengthen strategic reserves if necessary, with Cheema stressing that any import decision would be taken only after a comprehensive assessment of domestic market conditions.

He maintained that safeguarding the interests of local farmers and growers would remain the government's foremost priority and that no decision would come at their expense.

Rana Tanveer Hussain informed the meeting that PASSCO is extending full support to provincial governments to ensure smooth wheat supply and effective stock management.

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

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