Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif suspends four officials

ISLAMABAD: In a major development in the investigation into the wheat import scandal, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered the dismissal of four officials responsible, ARY News reported on Tuesday.

According to the sources, the Prime Minister has ordered the suspension of four officials of the Ministry of National Food Security for poor planning and negligence.

The Prime Minister reportedly gave his approval for appropriate action against former Federal Minister for National Food Security, Muhammad Asif.

Meanwhile, other officials, including former Director General of Plant Protection AD Abid, Commissioner of Food Security Dr Wasim, Director Sohail and Punjab Director of Food Security Imtiaz Gopang, are also set to be suspended.

This development came after Prime Minister Shehbaz set up a commission of inquiry headed by Cabinet Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal to investigate the wheat scandal.

What is a wheat scandal?

Pakistan’s wheat sector is embroiled in a fresh controversy. The recent import of 3.4 million tonnes of wheat by the interim government sparked widespread outrage and allegations of corruption. Despite a wheat surplus in the country, the import deal has resulted in a staggering loss of over Rs 300 billion to the national exchequer, raising questions about the government’s decision-making process and accountability.

Click here to read the latest news on the wheat import scandal.

The crisis has dealt a severe blow to Pakistan’s agriculture sector. Wheat farmers have suffered significant losses due to the government’s decision to import wheat at a higher price than the usual market price. This move has led to an oversupply of wheat in the market, driving down prices and forcing farmers to sell their produce at a fair price.

The opposition and farmers have strongly criticised the government’s decision, calling it a “wheat scam” and demanding an immediate investigation into the matter. The government’s insistence on importing wheat despite a domestic surplus has raised suspicions of corruption and nepotism, and many are wondering whose interests the government is pursuing.

Read more: Minister: Wheat will be imported despite sufficient stocks in the transition regime

A committee of inquiry has been set up to investigate the scandal and identify those responsible, but the government’s credibility is at stake. The public is demanding transparency and accountability, and the government must act swiftly to address the concerns of farmers and the nation as a whole.

The wheat import scandal in Pakistan is a stark reminder of the need for good governance, transparency and accountability in decision-making. The government must take concrete steps to address the crisis and ensure that such fiascos are not repeated in the future.