Wheat import scam dominates NA Question Hour

ISLAMABAD: The import and procurement of wheat took centre-stage in the National Assembly during the Question-Hour on Thursday, with the previous caretaker government facing parliamentary criticism over its decision to import wheat.

The PTI-backed Sunni Ittehad Council (SIC) called for the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the wheat import scam, while voices from the Treasury benches urged for the issue to be taken up in the parliamentary committee.

During the Question-Hour, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq directed the Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer, to present complete details of wheat procurement in the next sitting, as the minister was absent from the house due to an official visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to China. Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs Azam Nazir Tarar responded to questions related to the Ministry of National Food Security and Research.

Senior PTI and SIC legislator Asad Qaiser questioned Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar about the delay in forming a judicial commission on the wheat import scam. In response, Tarar stated that the Constitution assigns this work to parliament, emphasizing that any committee formation should be done by parliament.

Senior PPP leader Syed Khursheed Shah demanded the summary approved for wheat import to be brought forward.

SIC legislator Raslam Ghamman held the caretaker chief minister and prime minister responsible for the wheat purchase, questioning the absence of an investigation against them.

PML-Zia head Ijazul Haq demanded the formation of a parliamentary committee to investigate the wheat import scam. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar assured the National Assembly that investigations into the wheat import scandal are underway and those found guilty will be held accountable.

According to the Ministry of National Food Security, Minister Rana Tanveer informed that the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation Ltd. (PASSCO) had procured 1.8 million metric tonnes of wheat as of June 2, 2024, surpassing the original procurement target of 1.3 million metric tonnes.

In response to a supplementary question by Ameer Khan Magsi, Minister Rana Tanveer said that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had significantly increased the target in response to the situation, and measures were being taken to support farmers for the next planting season.

Minister Rana Tanveer acknowledged complaints about wheat procurement and stated that the prime minister had directed the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) to register FIRs against those involved. He also mentioned that committees have been formed to probe the wheat import, and actions have been taken based on recommendations.

Responding to questions by SIC legislator Khawaja Sheeraz, Minister Rana Tanveer mentioned the crash in the global wheat market, resulting in domestic prices falling. He emphasised that the government prioritised providing support to small farmers.

PPP legislator Hina Rabbani Khar expressed concerns about agricultural policies and stated that farmers are not receiving adequate rates for their produce.

Minister Rana Tanveer assured the National Assembly that the government had raised the wheat procurement target by 40 percent to address farmers’ challenges.

Responding to Dr Nafeesa Shah’s questions about the fate of the inquiry into the wheat import scam and corporate farming, Minister Rana Tanveer mentioned the initiatives taken by the ministry to attract foreign investment in corporate farming. He highlighted bilateral MoUs signed with Kuwait and the UAE and emphasised the government’s commitment to modernise agriculture through corporate farming.

During the Question-Hour, Syed Khursheed Shah raised the issue of non-formation of the Standing Committees of National Assembly. Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq directed all parliamentary parties to submit their party names for the composition of Standing Committees by Friday, urging Chief Whip of the PMLN, Dr Tariq Fazal, to submit his party’s names by the deadline to complete the formation process.