Govt Rules Out Wheat Imports, Says Stocks Sufficient for Rabi Season

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain on Thursday assured that Pakistan has adequate wheat stocks to meet domestic demand, dismissing speculation that the country would need to import wheat. Chairing the 8th Wheat Board meeting, the minister reviewed the national demand-and-supply position as well as the availability of critical inputs for the upcoming Rabi season 2025–26. According to official figures, national wheat availability stands at 33.47 million metric tons (MMT) against a requirement of 33.58 MMT, reflecting a marginal shortfall of just 0.11 MMT. “There is no alarming situation regarding wheat stocks, and Pakistan will not be importing wheat,” Hussain was quoted as saying by the Ministry of Information. The minister emphasized that abundant supplies of urea and other inputs were available to support the sowing of Rabi crops. He added that despite rising fertilizer prices internationally, the government was strictly monitoring the domestic market to keep costs within farmers’ reach. Hussain cautioned that sudden or overly strict regulatory measures at the provincial level, particularly in Punjab, could unnecessarily create panic in the wheat market. The meeting concluded with the resolve that the ministry, working in close coordination with provincial governments, would take all necessary steps to safeguard farmers’ interests and ensure uninterrupted food supplies for the public.