According to newspapers reports, the Economic Co-ordination Committee of the Cabinet has increased regulatory duty on import of sugar from 20 percent to 40 percent. The National Accountability Bureau is already investigating the causes of incentives given to the sugar mills to export sugar a few years ago. The committee also allowed increase in regulatory duty on the import of wheat from 25 percent to 40 percent on a summary moved by the Ministry of National Food Security and Research. The decision has been taken on the demand of farmers as there is abundant stock of sugar and wheat in the country. According an approval to increase the regulatory duties, Finance Minister Ishaq Dar has note that before announcing export incentives the government functionaries and institutions must keep in view the available stocks of the commodities in the country and price trends in the local market.
The Ministry of National Food Security is already facing an inquiry into wheat import scam on the directions of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif after Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif held Islamabad responsible for high stocks of wheat in the country. The committee has also approved extension in time period for export of wheat and wheat flour for the Sindh and Punjab up to July 31 on a proposal submitted by the Ministry of Food Security. Earlier, the committee had allowed Punjab and Sindh to export surplice wheat up to 1.2 million tons and wheat flour and had fixed April 30 as the date for export of wheat by Sindh and May 15 for Punjab. However, the federal government has instructed the provinces to complete the export process within 30 days until July 31.
As a matter of fact the federal government is trying to enhance the country’s exports up to $25 billion and concentrates only on a few commodities which are also direly needed in the country. Instead of exporting value added goods, the government allows the export of sugar, wheat and fruits to the foreign countries at throw away prices. It is noted with concern that the Pakistani flour is available at cheaper prices in Tashkent and Doha than in Lahore and Karachi. The best quality mango is available at throw-away prices in London and New York but the people are deprived of its taste in the country. There is a world of available goods which can be exported to the African and European countries, but the government functionaries, in order to show their efficiency, allow the export of vital items.
