ISLAMABAD (Mudassar Iqbal) The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised objections to Pakistan’s new wheat policy, specifically regarding the setting of a minimum support price for wheat.
According to sources, following the approval of the new wheat policy, the IMF sent a formal letter to the Ministry of National Food Security and Research, seeking clarification and detailed documentation of the policy framework.
In response, the ministry explained that the government had not fixed a minimum support price but had instead set an indicative price, clarifying that the misunderstanding may have led to the IMF’s initial objection. The IMF’s concerns have since been addressed and resolved.
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Sources said that the indicative price was determined based on the international rate of U.S. Hard Red Winter Wheat, which currently stands at $238 per ton. The ministry calculated the indicative price after including Karachi port landing charges and estimated transportation costs.
It was further revealed that the cost of transporting imported wheat from Karachi to Multan was also factored in, bringing the estimated price to around Rs3,500 per 40 kilograms.
Officials from the Ministry of National Food Security confirmed that the IMF’s objections and the government’s response were also shared with the Prime Minister’s Office for review.
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