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29-January-2025
Ministry Of National Food Security And Research, Government Of Pakistan
Government Constitutes Technical Working Group on Wheat Deregulation:
The Government of Pakistan, through the Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFSR), is committed to fostering a stable, efficient, and deregulated wheat market that ensures food security, price stability, and economic growth. In line with this objective, a “National Workshop on Deregulating Wheat Market” was held on 24th January 2025 in Islamabad to discuss the future framework of wheat market liberalization. Recognizing the importance of a structured and well-coordinated approach, the government has constituted a Technical Working Group on Wheat Deregulation with immediate effect. This working group comprises key stakeholders, including senior government officials from the MNFSR, provincial food departments, representatives from international organizations such as the World Bank, industry leaders, and representatives of the farming and milling sectors. The establishment of this technical group underscores the government’s proactive approach in transitioning from a regulated wheat economy to a more open market system that fosters competition, efficiency, and sustainability. The primary focus of the group is to develop a comprehensive framework for deregulation while ensuring that essential mechanisms, such as strategic wheat reserves, stock monitoring, and interprovincial movement, remain intact. Additionally, the group is tasked with proposing institutional arrangements to oversee production, storage, trade, and pricing. By leveraging expert insights and multi-stakeholder engagement, this initiative aims to create a resilient and transparent wheat market that benefits consumers, farmers, millers, and the overall agricultural economy. The formation of this group marks a critical step towards policy reforms that align with global best practices in food security and market deregulation. Notification Describes;
GOVERNMENT OF PAKISTAN
MINISTRY OF NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY AND RESEARCH
Islamabad, the 29th January, 2025
NOTIFICATION
In pursuance of the “National Workshop on Deregulating Wheat Market” held on 24th January 2025 in Islamabad, a Technical Working Group on Wheat Deregulation, is being constituted with immediate effect, comprising the following:
1. Dr. Akmal Siddiq, Technical Advisor, MNFS&R Lead
2. Ms. Aiysha Khalid, Additional Secretary, MNFSR Member
3. Mr. Ajmal Bhatti, Secretary, PC&CMD, Panjab Member
4. Mr. Khalid Mehmood Shaikh, Secretary, Food Department Sindh Member
5. Mr. Saqib Raza Aslam, Secretary, Food Department KPK Member
6. Mr. Muzaffar Zeeshan Lehri, Secretary, Food Department Balochistan Member
7. Mr. Sohail Azam, Secretary, Food Department AJ&K Member
8. Mr. Safdar Khan, Secretary, Food Department GB Member
9. Mr. Muhammad Asif, DADC, MNFSR Secretary/Member
10. Mr. Oliveier Durand, World Bank Member
11. Mr. Khurram Zafar, CEO PMEX Member
12. Mr. Kazim Saeed, CEO, (Pakistan Agriculture Collation) Member
13. Mr. Ahsan Bajwa, Farmer Member
14. Mr. Hafiz Ahmed Qadir, Flour Miller Member
2. The Terms of Reference of the Working Group shall be as under:
(i) Discuss and recommend the framework for deregulation of wheat economy, while making arrangements for the following:
a) Maintaining 2.0 million metric tons of strategic reserve in the absence of operations by PASSCO and provincial food department.
b) Developing a mechanism to monitor wheat stocks to avoid price hike in wheat/wheat flour.
(ii) Recommend institutional arrangements to monitor production, storage, import, export and price of wheat.
(iii) Propose a mechanism to ensure the free movement of the wheat across the country.
(iv) Any other issue ancillary to the above.
3. This issues with the approval of the Secretary, MNFSR
Deputy Agricultural Development
Commissioner
Conclusion:
The formation of the Technical Working Group on Wheat Deregulation marks a significant policy initiative by the Government of Pakistan towards modernizing and streamlining the wheat market. By bringing together government officials, agricultural experts, industry stakeholders, and international representatives, this effort aims to balance market liberalization with essential safeguards that prevent price volatility and ensure an uninterrupted supply of wheat across the country. The group’s deliberations will be crucial in shaping a regulatory environment that fosters competition while maintaining a 2.0 million metric ton strategic wheat reserve to safeguard against shortages. Additionally, the proposed mechanisms for monitoring wheat stocks, ensuring free interprovincial movement, and overseeing production and trade will play a key role in stabilizing prices and securing food supply chains. The inclusion of experts from diverse backgrounds enhances the credibility and effectiveness of the group’s recommendations, ensuring that policy reforms are both practical and sustainable. As Pakistan moves towards a deregulated wheat economy, the government remains committed to transparency, efficiency, and equitable access to food resources. The successful implementation of the group’s recommendations will not only enhance food security but also strengthen Pakistan’s agricultural sector, driving economic growth and rural development. Going forward, continued collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, and international partners will be essential in realizing a resilient, efficient, and market-driven wheat economy that benefits all stakeholders. This initiative reflects the government’s dedication to reforming agricultural policies in alignment with evolving global market trends while safeguarding national food security.
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