Pakistan to Import 750,000 Metric Tons of Wheat to Meet Domestic Requirements

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to import 750,000 metric tons of wheat to stabilize the country’s reserves and meet the requirements of the provinces, with the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) issuing an international tender for the procurement.

The TCP has invited sealed bids from international suppliers for the supply of 750,000 metric tons of wheat, with an allowance of up to 10 percent variation in the quantity. The wheat will be delivered to the ports of Karachi and Gwadar on a Cost and Freight (C&F) basis.

According to the tender conditions, the wheat must be from the latest available crop. International suppliers may participate directly or through their local offices or representatives registered with the relevant federal or provincial tax authorities in Pakistan.

Suppliers are also required to have the capacity to provide large quantities of wheat from any part of the world. The imported wheat must comply with the requirements of the prevailing Import Policy Order.

The TCP stated that bids for quantities below 50,000 metric tons would not be accepted, while a 10 percent increase or decrease in the specified quantity would be permitted.

According to government sources, the imported wheat will be distributed among the provinces according to their requirements. Sindh is expected to receive 300,000 metric tons, Punjab 250,000 metric tons and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa 200,000 metric tons.

Sources said approval for the procurement of 750,000 metric tons of wheat was granted by a committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar.

Earlier, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had approved the import of one million metric tons of wheat following requests from the provinces for additional supplies.