In response to the pressing concerns faced by wheat farmers regarding the sale of their produce and the acquisition of gunny bags, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has taken proactive measures. Over the weekend, he established a committee under the auspices of the national food security and research ministry, aiming to swiftly address these grievances within a four-day timeframe.

During an emergency session convened in the federal capital, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presided over discussions on the wheat procurement process facilitated by the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (Passco). Expressing deep apprehension over the hurdles encountered by farmers in securing fair prices for their wheat, the Prime Minister issued directives for immediate action to resolve the issue.

Emphasizing the significance of ensuring maximum benefit for farmers, the Premier disclosed that the federal government is set to procure 1.8 million metric tons of wheat through Passco. He underscored the imperative for officials to diligently oversee the procurement process, guaranteeing timely payments to farmers.

Assuring steadfast support for the economic well-being of farmers, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged the government’s unwavering commitment to their welfare. He unequivocally stated that the toil of farmers in cultivating a bumper wheat crop this year will not be undermined by any oversight or negligence.

The meeting convened by the Prime Minister was attended by federal ministers Rana Tanveer and Attaullah Tarar, alongside other pertinent officials.

Probe Into Wheat Import Scandal

In a parallel development, the inquiry committee tasked with investigating the wheat import scandal during the caretaker government’s tenure has dismissed speculations surrounding the summoning of former caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, who served as the interim Punjab chief minister at the time.

Deliberating on potential courses of action post-inquiry, including involving the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) or Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), the committee intends to conclude its investigation promptly.

While the investigation into the wheat import scandal remains ongoing, the inquiry committee mulled over various options during its recent session. It is anticipated that key figures from the caretaker administration may be summoned for questioning, although formal notices have yet to be issued.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif mandated the four-member committee to conduct a thorough investigation and furnish a comprehensive report within four days. It is speculated that caretaker Prime Minister and ministers may be presented with questionnaires to elucidate their stance on the matter.

Scheduled to reconvene today, the inquiry committee, spearheaded by Federal Cabinet Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal, refuted circulating misinformation regarding the summoning of Kakar or Naqvi. Denying these claims, Afzal asserted his adherence to the scope of his duties, decrying the dissemination of false reports pertaining to the inquiry.