In response to mounting concerns over the wheat import scandal, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the matter.
The directive came following a meeting between the head of the investigation committee, Cabinet Division Secretary Kamran Ali Afzal, and Prime Minister Sharif on Friday night.
Sources said that during the meeting, PM Sharif emphasized the need for a thorough examination of all aspects of the wheat import, ensuring complete transparency. He underscored the importance of identifying and holding accountable all responsible parties involved in the scandal, leaving no room for secrecy or leniency.
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The prime minister instructed the team lead to review available records and documents and provide recommendations based on the findings. Additionally, he directed the secretary to submit the final report by Monday.
"No concessions will be made to anyone involved," reiterated Sharif, emphasizing the need for clear identification of responsible individuals and urging them to cooperate fully with the investigation.
Farmers in double jeopardy
Meanwhile, the delay in wheat procurement has exacerbated the plight of local farmers across Punjab, especially in Rajanpur. The farmers, who had invested in expensive fertilizers for wheat cultivation, now say that they are unable to sell their produce to the government due to procurement delays.
They also say that with crops exposed to the rains under the open sky, farmers are being forced to sell wheat at extremely low prices, adding to their financial burden.
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"If the government fails to purchase wheat this year, farmers will not cultivate wheat next year," warned farmers in Rajanpur.
The Punjab government has failed to devise a definitive procedure regarding the wheat procurement policy from farmers, as a recent PML-N gathering at its central secretariat in Lahore couldn't decide to provide relief to the farmers.
Despite a bumper wheat crop, farmers and growers across Punjab, from southern districts to central tehsils up to northern Punjab areas, remain concerned about the wheat purchase policy. The Punjab government fixed the rate at Rs3,900 per maund (100kg), but farmers have not received the gunny bags (bardana), nor has the government initiated wheat procurement.
For the past few weeks, farmers have been selling their hard-earned wheat crop in the market at lower prices.
