4.5 Million Tons of Wheat Reportedly Go Missing from Punjab

A massive discrepancy in wheat stocks has reportedly surfaced, with 4.5 million tons of wheat unaccounted for in Punjab and another 600,000 tons reportedly missing from official records in Sindh.

According to reports, the issue came to light during a high-level government meeting, where Punjab officials asked other provinces whether the missing wheat had been transported outside the province. However, the provinces denied receiving any such quantities, prompting officials to suspect that large-scale hoarding may have taken place.

The reported shortfall has also fueled concerns that Pakistan’s wheat import bill could climb to $1 billion if the matter is not investigated and domestic supplies remain insufficient.

Sources said the government had fixed the wheat support price at Rs. 3,500 per 40kg, but the private sector showed little interest in purchasing the crop under those conditions.

To encourage procurement, the Punjab government reportedly offered incentives to private buyers. However, the private sector sought access to bank financing to fund wheat purchases.

At the beginning of the harvesting season, wheat prices reportedly surged to Rs. 4,500 per 40kg in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Officials believe hoarders may have purchased large quantities directly from farmers without permits or tax documentation before storing them.

Agriculture experts said Punjab has gradually shifted away from government procurement over the past two to three years, with greater reliance on the private sector to purchase wheat.

No official investigation findings have been released so far regarding the reported missing wheat.