HAMBURG: A government agency in Pakistan has issued an international tender to buy and import 1.5 million tonnes of wheat, European traders said on Friday.

The tender closes on Aug. 18.

Pakistan allowed private sector wheat imports in June to cool domestic wheat and flour prices.

"Traders had expected the state to issue a large import tender to relieve tight domestic supplies," one European trader said.

The tender was issued by the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) which is under Pakistan's Ministry of Commerce.

The wheat can be sourced from worldwide origins and offers are sought including cost and freight to the port of Karachi. Offers of at least 200,000 tonnes must be submitted.

A pre-bidding meeting will be held by the TCP on Aug. 13 to discuss any questions about the tender.

Reuters reported that private importers in Pakistan bought at least 360,000 tonnes of wheat in June and July after the government permitted imports including 60,000 tonnes reported in past days.

"But this does not appear to be enough and the government is stepping in," another trader said.