Fungus-infected wheat imported during PM Shehbaz Sharif's tenure: Inquiry Reveals

ISLAMABAD, May 06: An inquiry committee investigating wheat imports has uncovered that 1.3 million tons of wheat imported in March 2024 is unfit for human consumption due to fungus infection. This concerning revelation coincides with the period when Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held the Ministry of National Food Security's portfolio.
According to media reports, the inquiry committee, led by the Federal Secretary of the Cabinet Division, found that during Sharif's tenure, a total of 691,136 metric tons of wheat worth 57.192 billion rupees was imported. This comes amidst reports of already sufficient wheat reserves in the country.
Data shows a significant rise in wheat imports during the recent months. While imports till February stood at 225.783 billion rupees, March saw a sharp increase to 57.192 billion rupees. Overall, wheat imports valued at 282.975 billion rupees were recorded until March, with 691,136 metric tons imported in the first month of the current government.
The inquiry further revealed that over $1 billion was spent on wheat imports despite existing reserves. This raises questions about the rationale behind such large-scale purchases, especially considering reports of potentially corrupt practices during the caretaker government's tenure.
Caretaker Prime Minister Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar has denied any involvement in the import decisions, stating that approval was granted by the previous government's Finance Minister Ishaq Dar. Similarly, the caretaker Food Security Minister, Kausar Abdullah, claims he was not consulted on the matter.
A committee headed by Cabinet Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal is currently investigating potential irregularities in the import process. The report is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet next week. However, former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi expressed skepticism, suggesting that such committees are often formed to downplay the issue rather than reveal the truth.
The inquiry committee has also clarified misleading reports about summoning the former caretaker Prime Minister and former Chief Minister of Punjab. The committee's head, Kamran Ali Afzal, confirmed that neither Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar nor Mohsin Naqvi have been called for questioning.
The discovery of fungus-infected wheat and the ongoing investigation into import decisions raise serious concerns about transparency and accountability within Pakistan's food security apparatus. The public awaits the inquiry committee's report to shed light on the full picture and determine any potential wrongdoing.