January 20, 2002	Sunday	Ziqa’ad 5, 1422

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ISLAMABAD, Jan 19: Pakistan has said it will not allow transit of substandard and infectious Indian wheat through its land route to Afghanistan.

Food Minister Khair Mohammad Junejo said here at a news conference that Indian wheat was infectious and contained diseases and weeds.

“Pakistan has valid concerns because we want these diseases do not infest our crops and grains. And if we give them transit, these could spread here,” said the minister.

He said that World Food Programme (WFP) wanted to transport 50,000 tons of Indian wheat through Pakistan’s land route but it was not advisable for Pakistan to allow transportation through its land route.

“It was dangerous for Pakistan,” he said.

The minister said Pakistan had conveyed its decision to the WFP.

He said the WFP had sought 300,000 tons of wheat from Pakistan and so far lifted only 80,000 tons on cash basis. The rest is also being lifted, he added.