The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Tuesday said endless differences between the central and provincial governments over wheat issue the country may face a severe food security issue. For the first time in the country's history central and provincial officials are holding meetings after taking critical decisions which is amazing, it said.

Keeping the price of wheat uniform across the country has now become difficult as the government lacks resources and provinces are taking decisions without consulting other important stakeholders, said Dr. Murtaza Mughal, President PREW. He said that Sindh has increased wheat procurement prices by 45 percent unilaterally which was a record in the history of Pakistan.

Soon, Punjab increased its price by 26 percent and now the same province is planning to revise the price upward leaving the center puzzled, he added. Dr. Murtaza Mughal said that wheat is being imported at different prices while the private sector, hoarders, and profiteers are also using the opportunity to reap maximum benefits.

Currently, the three main stakeholders of wheat, which include Punjab, Sindh, and the central government, are not agreeing on the price of wheat and are busy giving priority to their political interests which is unfortunate. The food security situation is not improving but rather deteriorating, hoarders are taking full advantage of this situation, while the people are paying the price of politically-motivated decisions.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-INP