ECC approves import of 0.3mn tonnes of wheat to tackle ongoing crises

• The first shipment is due to arrive by February 15.
• The ECC meeting was chaired by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Hafeez Sheikh.

The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) approved on Monday the import of 0.3 million tonnes of wheat without regulatory duty.

The decision was taken at the ECC meeting which was chaired by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Hafeez Sheikh chaired. The ECC has approved the import of wheat till March 31. The first shipment is due to arrive by February 15.

The centre has also asked the Punjab government and Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation to release their stocks to overcome the shortage, local media reported. During the meeting, the centre also approved the Gas Infrastructure Development Cess waiver of Rs400 per bag on urea to ensure the supply of cheap fertiliser to farmers.