In a significant development regarding the investigation of the wheat import scandal, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered the removal of four officials from the Ministry of National Food Security, as reported by Pakistan Talk Show on Tuesday.
Sources indicate that the Prime Minister directed the suspension of these officials due to poor planning and negligence. The officers facing suspension include former federal secretary of national food security Muhammad Asif, former director general of plant protection AD Abid, Food Security Commissioner Dr. Wasim, Director Sohail, and Punjab Director of Food Security Imtiaz Gopang.
This action follows the formation of a probe committee led by Secretary Cabinet Division Kamran Ali Afzal, tasked with investigating the wheat scandal.
The controversy centers around the recent import of 3.4 million metric tons of wheat by the caretaker government, despite a domestic surplus. This decision has resulted in a loss exceeding Rs300 billion to the national exchequer and has provoked widespread allegations of corruption.
The opposition and farming communities have harshly criticized the government, labeling the incident as a “wheat scam” and demanding an immediate inquiry. The decision to import wheat despite having sufficient domestic supply has raised suspicions of corruption and favoritism, leading many to question the government’s motives.
In response to the scandal, an inquiry committee has been established to investigate the matter and assign responsibility.