The Auditor General of Pakistan has confirmed massive mismanagement, negligence, and alleged corruption in the wheat imports conducted during the caretaker government, according to the 2024-25 audit report.
The report reveals that wheat worth 300 billion rupees was imported despite the country already having a stock of 4.64 million metric tons at the time of import.
The audit highlights that instead of the approved quota of 2.4 million metric tons for 2023-24, a total of 3.5 million metric tons was imported. The surplus imports occurred despite the domestic wheat production reaching 31.47 million metric tons that year, ensuring sufficient local supply.
The report further exposes that government institutions relied on flawed and manipulated data, which led to substantial financial losses. National wheat demand was exaggerated, and significant discrepancies were found in official figures.
The audit also points out that Punjab and Sindh provinces released less wheat to flour mills, triggering an artificial shortage in the market.
Moreover, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) and the federal cabinet had only approved the import of one million metric tons, yet excessive imports were made. The report also notes that the import file was deliberately delayed for a month, benefiting the private sector.
Additionally, there is no official record of wheat exported to Afghanistan, raising further concerns over accountability.
