ISLAMABAD, Feb 2: The import bill of consumer goods increased by 44.57 per cent to $857 million during the first half year (July-Dec) of the current fiscal as compared to $592.897 million the same period last year.

Official figures available with Dawn on Thursday showed that in December 2005 the import bill of food items rose by 41.89 per cent to $127.407 million as against $89.791 million the same month last year.

This would be an alarming situation for the policymakers as a huge amount was spent from the exchequer on the import of food items. It means that Pakistan is moving towards a net food importing country.

The country spent $180.028 million on the import of sugar during the first half year as against $1.477 million the same period last year, showing a staggering increase of 12,088.76 per cent.

In quantity terms, an increase of 10,996.53 per cent to 533,299 tons of sugar was recorded over the 4,806 tons imported during the same period the last year. Despite the heavy imports coupled with local production the commodity was being sold at record high prices around Rs35.50 to Rs36 per kg.

Further details showed that milk products worth $24.114 million were imported during the first half year as against $12.647 million the same period last year, showing an increase of 90.67 per cent.

The wheat (un-milled) import bill rose by 34.89 per cent to $19.071 million during the period under review as against $14.134 million over the same period last year; dry fruits increased by 68.41 per cent to $28.651 million as against $17.013 million of previous year.

The import of tea increased by 11.31 per cent to $115.455 million during the first half year as against $103.726 million over the same period of the last year; spices rose by 8.54 per cent to $26.362 million during the period as against $24.288 million the same period last year.

The pulses import rose by 70.57 per cent during the period under review to $86.110 million as against $50.483 million over the same period of the last year.