Government has so far issued 288 wheat import permits to private sector importers, informed Food Security Commissioner in the Ministry of National Food Security, and Research Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed Gopang.

The issuance of wheat import permits would ensure the availability of wheat and flour and will counter wheat shortage in the country.

He said the import permits were issued in compliance with the decision of the Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet. Gopang said that the first shipment carrying about 66,000 tons of wheat will arrive in the country next month while the second shipment of 70,000 tons is expected to arrive in September.

The Food Security Commissioner said trading of two other shipments is also in the process which would arrive as per schedule to further cement the demand and supply of grains in the local market.

The Ministry of National Food Security and Research (MNFS&R)'s Department of Plant Protection (DPP) has issued import permits in two phases in compliance of the decision of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC).

The MNFS&R has also constituted a monitoring committee to look after issues pertaining to the import of wheat. The committee was headed by the additional secretary, MNFS&R as chairman with addition to a representative of the Wheat Importers Association (WIA), said an official.