ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a high-level inquiry committee, probing the wheat import scandal, and has summoned former Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaarul Haq Kakar and former Secretary of Food, Muhammad Mahmood for investigations.
The inquiry committee, chaired by Cabinet Secretary Kamran Ali, commenced its investigations, reviewing a preliminary report on the matter during its first session.
During the intensive six-hour session, the committee interrogated two former Secretaries of Food Security, Muhammad Mehmood and Muhammad Asif. The committee will also probe former Finance Minister Shamshad Akhtar, former interim Minister for Commerce and Trade Gohar Ejaz, and Punjab’s Caretaker Chief Minister Mohsin Naqvi.
Recognizing the significant role caretaker federal cabinet members played in the wheat import process, the committee deems their input crucial for a comprehensive inquiry. Having concluded its investigations with officials from Customs, Karachi Port, and FBR, the committee is poised to confront additional stakeholders.
On Friday, Anwaarul Haq Kakar and PML-N leader Hanif Abbasi engaged in a heated exchange over the wheat import scandal at a private hotel. Hanif Abbasi accused Kakar of involvement in the scandal, prompting a fiery response. This altercation underscores the gravity of the situation and the political ramifications involved.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took decisive action, dismissing Secretary of Food Security Muhammad Asif and establishing a high-level inquiry committee to delve into the wheat import debacle. Chaired by the Secretary of the Cabinet Division, the committee is tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.
During a high-level review meeting, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised pertinent questions about the necessity of wheat import, especially in light of abundant domestic production the previous year. Initial reports shed light on alarming details, suggesting federal institutions’ complicity in the unnecessary import of wheat, leading to an artificial shortage.
The investigation revealed that despite substantial wheat reserves in Punjab, additional imports were made, contributing to the market imbalance. Suspicions surround officials from the Punjab Food Department and Pasco, with indications of irregularities in the import process.
Furthermore, it was uncovered that wheat was imported at a lower cost and sold at a significantly higher price, resulting in substantial losses. The lack of oversight from federal institutions, including the Ministry of Finance, facilitated unchecked import activities.
The repercussions of this wheat import scandal are far-reaching, with the national economy bearing a significant burden. As investigations continue, the government remains committed to holding those responsible to account and implementing measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
