May 28, 2008	Wednesday	Jamadi-ul-Awwal 22, 1429

KARACHI, May 27: The Wheat Traders Association of Pakistan has urged the government to allow subsidy on import of wheat to make it viable.

WTAP Secretary Saleem Ahmed said here on Tuesday that “wheat prices are very high in the international market and its import cannot be viable by the private sector without incentives”.

He appreciated the government’s plan to involve the private sector in the import of wheat, but said that due to prevailing international market conditions, it was impossible for the private sector to import wheat without additional incentives.“We propose that a subsidy in US dollars or equivalent Pak rupees, subject to costing and economic feasibility per metric ton, be allowed to be paid at the time of negotiation of shipping documents,” he added.

Saleem said wheat would be imported by the private sector as per SRO 79 of July 13, 2005 and SRO 748(1)/2005 of July 28, 2005, with logical amendments.

The wheat importers would import wheat as per government’s specification given in the TCP wheat tenders. Such a subsidy or incentives can be discussed with the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock, he noted. He also urged the government to prepare a wheat import and export policy in consultation with the WTAP.

Duty exemption notified

Meanwhile, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) notified the 10 per cent customs duty exemption on import of wheat.

According to the SRO issued here on Tuesday, the measure has been taken to ensure availability of wheat and flour to the people in abundance and at reasonable prices.

Permanent check-posts

Punjab Inspector General of Police Shaukat Javed said on Tuesday that permanent check-posts have been established at all opening points on the province’s border in an effort to check wheat smuggling throughout the year.

Chairing a high-level meeting at Central Police Office in Lahore, he directed all the police officers to chalk out a comprehensive strategy for putting in place foolproof measures to control smuggling of wheat and flour from the province.

Shaukat Javed also directed the special branch officers for collecting complete data about wheat smugglers and hoarders to take them to task.

He stressed upon the officers to utilise all their professional skills and improve patrolling on highways to curb the smuggling of commodity, which would help the government to achieve its wheat procurement target.

The IGP also directed for strict monitoring of inter- provincial routes in bordering districts and warned that any leniency in this regard would not be tolerated.

He warned that relevant SHO would be held responsible following report of wheat smuggling from any area of the province.

Food Secretary Iftikhar Ahmed Rao apprised the meeting that the federal government had allowed the wheat import, following which the province would have adequate quantity of the commodity.

He said the wheat prices would not be increased, while government would soon announce subsidy on the wheat flour to provide relief to the common man.

Wheat stock

A delegation of Flour Mills Association called on Rawalpindi DCO Jamal Mustafa Syed on Tuesday and assured him that there would be no shortage of the commodity in the markets for two weeks.

The association said that a wheat stock of 52,000 metric tons was available with them.—APP