ISLAMABAD [Pakistan]: To address growing concerns over import of pest-infected wheat during the tenure of the caretaker government, Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanvir, has announced the formation of a new investigation committee. According to Dawn report, this step has been taken after revelations confirming import of substandard wheat, following which the authorities took prompt action. Minister Tanveer underlined the need for a thorough investigation into the irregularities and negligence associated with the import process. Did. This is the second inquiry committee formed within a week under the chairmanship of the Cabinet Division Secretary, following the previous initiative by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.A statement from the minister's office confirmed the importation of insect-infected wheat under the supervision of the caretaker government. To ensure transparency and accountability, a high-level investigation committee led by Food Commissioner Sai Wasimul Hasan has been tasked to investigate the import of substandard wheat during the financial year 2023-24, Dawn minister Tanveer said, adding that the government's Commitment has been reiterated to maintain transparency and accountability in wheat procurement processes. In response to public complaints, he also initiated an investigation into irregularities in wheat procurement by the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASCO), appointing a three-member committee headed by Grade 20 officer Saleh Mohsin, as Prime Minister Sharif had earlier. Said. was appointed. WASHINGTON - Despite expectations of a bumper crop, the exploratory committee will head to May 3 to investigate irregularities in wheat import decisions. Surplus stocks have created challenges for provincial governments in purchasing wheat from farmers, making it difficult to sell below official rates.The caretaker government's approval to import a total of 2.7 million tonnes of wheat by February 2024 has been examined. Although former caretaker Prime Minister Anwarul Haq Kakar denied any wrongdoing in the importation process, according to Dawn Federal Secretary of National Food Security and Research Division Mohammad Asif was removed from his post amid the ongoing investigation. The Prime Minister has directed a committee to expeditiously resolve the grievances of farmers to ensure timely payment and equitable treatment. Efforts are underway to procure 1.8 million tonnes of wheat through POSCO to ease farmers' concerns and stabilize market prices. However, the challenge remains as surplus stocks are hindering the absorption of new crops, leading to protests by farmers and putting pressure on the government.decisive action. According to Dawn report, the current situation presents a delicate balance for the government as it juggles farmers' demands and checks the opposition.