The federal government’s decision to import one million tonnes of wheat has sparked strong criticism from farmers and agricultural experts. The move has raised concerns about Pakistan’s food policy and the country’s continued dependence on imported grain despite being a major wheat producer. Pakistan produces around 31 million tonnes of wheat annually. The crop covers nearly 40 per cent of the country’s cultivated area and remains a major part of the daily diet of millions of people. Punjab is the country’s largest wheat-producing province and contributes almost three-fourths of national production. Farmers and experts say the issue is not simply about wheat availability. They believe repeated imports are linked to weak planning, inaccurate crop estimates, poor storage facilities, post-harvest losses and inconsistent government policies. Population growth and changing weather patterns have also increased pressure on the wheat supply chain. Farmer organisations have strongly opposed the import decision. They say local growers are still struggling to sell their recently harvested wheat. Many farmers claim they are receiving prices below their production costs after spending heavily on seeds, fertiliser, pesticides, diesel and electricity. Growers fear that imported wheat could further reduce local prices. They argue that the government should first ensure that locally produced wheat is purchased at fair rates before turning to international markets. The controversy has also highlighted changes in Pakistan’s wheat procurement system. Under wider economic reforms linked to the International Monetary Fund programme, successive governments have reduced state intervention in agricultural markets. The aim is to limit government losses and encourage greater private-sector participation. The IMF has not directly ordered Pakistan to stop purchasing wheat from farmers. However, governments have moved away from the traditional procurement and support price system. Provincial authorities have also reduced wheat purchases, leaving farmers increasingly dependent on private traders. Farmers say the transition has not been properly managed. They argue that private buyers now have greater influence over prices because of weak market regulation. This has forced some growers to sell their wheat below production costs.

ISLAMABAD: The federal health ministry has sought an urgent meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to obtain approval for the pricing of 52 newly registered life-saving medicines. Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal and Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb are expected to attend the meeting along with Federal Health Secretary Muhammad Aslam Ghauri and Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) Chief Executive Officer Dr Obaidullah. Officials said the health ministry has contacted the prime minister’s adviser, Tauqeer Shah, requesting an early appointment for the delegation. The Cabinet Committee on Drug Pricing had already approved prices for the 52 medicines during its meeting on July 24. However, the medicines cannot be legally marketed in Pakistan until the federal cabinet gives its final approval. After cabinet approval, DRAP will be able to issue notifications fixing the maximum retail prices of the medicines, allowing pharmaceutical companies to formally launch the products in the regulated market. Health ministry officials said the proposed meeting with the prime minister is aimed at obtaining his support for placing the pricing decision before the federal cabinet at the earliest. The delegation is also expected to raise the issue of hardship cases involving several essential medicines. Manufacturers and importers of these medicines have requested price adjustments, arguing that continued production or imports at the existing prices have become increasingly difficult. A senior health ministry official said the government was concerned because several registered medicines remained unavailable in the regulated market despite their prices having been approved by the drug pricing committee. The official said the delegation would brief the prime minister on the situation and seek immediate action to prevent further shortages. Among the medicines facing supply pressure are essential products such as influenza vaccines and morphine used in cancer treatment, along with other drugs whose manufacturers have reported difficulties in maintaining supplies at existing prices. The Cabinet Committee on Drug Pricing, chaired by Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, approved the 52 pricing cases after reviewing recommendations submitted by DRAP’s Drug Pricing Committee and Policy Board. All 52 cases forwarded by the Drug Pricing Committee and endorsed by the DRAP Policy Board were approved by the cabinet committee. However, the committee’s decision is not the final step in the process. The federal cabinet must endorse the recommendations before DRAP can officially notify the maximum retail prices. The medicines covered by the proposed pricing decision are used to treat a range of serious and chronic conditions. They include medicines for cancer, diabetes, haemophilia, Parkinson’s disease, autoimmune disorders, blood-clotting conditions and severe infections. Some are also used in intensive-care units and emergency treatment. Officials believe timely approval could help bring the newly registered medicines into the regulated market and improve availability for patients requiring specialised treatment.