July 14, 2024
1 min read

Pakistan reverses flour export policy amid protests

The local wheat price saw a dramatic decline during the caretaker government’s tenure, primarily due to imports by the private sector, including wheat flour millers…reports Asian Lite News

Pakistan’s government, led by Shehbaz Sharif, revoked its March order on Friday, banning the export of flour made from imported wheat amid a nationwide strike by millers, Pakistan-based daily, Dawn reported.

The ban came after the farmers protested against wheat imports despite the high crop produce in the country, Dawn reported.

The Pakistan Ministry of Commerce issued two notifications that withdrew the March 29 order that allowed millers to export flour made from imported wheat. However, no data on the export of such flour was available on the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) website. Export of wheat and its byproducts from locally produced wheat is already banned, Dawn reported.

The local wheat price saw a dramatic decline during the caretaker government’s tenure, primarily due to imports by the private sector, including wheat flour millers.

Out of 65 total wheat importers, 17 were flour mills that also imported wheat. The government had previously formed a committee to investigate the issue, but it took two months to impose a ban on wheat imports, which was officially notified on Friday.

On Thursday, the All-Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) went on strike as a mark of protest on Thursday against the new withholding tax.

Flour dealers and owners of atta chakkis (small wheat grinding units joined the protest, causing disturbances in the supply flow of flour.

Chairperson of PFMA, Asim Raza said that the measure has made flour mills withholding agents for tax collection. He said the tax is expected to increase flour prices by Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 8 per kg.

Raza said that he would continue the strike until the demands are met and the strike would adversely affect the supply chain.

“The tax measure is unacceptable and impracticable as flour dealers are refusing to lift their consignments instead of sharing their tax details for withholding tax purposes,” he said. (ANI)

ALSO READ-‘Pakistan in CPEC Debt Trap, China Holds the Key’

Previous Story

Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi acquitted in unlawful marriage case

Next Story

INDIA bloc wins 10 seats, BJP gets two in assembly bypolls

Latest from -Top News

Modi Strengthens Defence, Energy Ties in Saudi

Both sides agreed to hold the next Strategic Partnership Council meeting at a mutually convenient date….reports Asian Lite News India and Saudi Arabia have expanded their bilateral Strategic Partnership Council by adding

India Donates Vaccines to Afghanistan

The Afghan Ministry of Public Health expressed gratitude towards India for its generous contribution….reports Asian Lite News India has donated 4.8 tonnes of vaccines to Afghanistan as part of its ongoing humanitarian

Global Grief Over J&K Terror Strike

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also condemned the horrific terror attack, stating that violence can not be justified….reports Asian Lite News Condolences have poured in from around the world after the horrific

Pakistan Condemns J&K Terror Strike

Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a brief statement, saying, “We are concerned at the loss of tourists’ lives in an attack in Anantnag district…reports Asian Lite News Pakistan on Wednesday responded to the

Muslim World League Condemns Terror in Pahalgam

Prime Minister Modi commended the firm stand of the Muslim World League against extremism, terrorism and violence….reports Asian Lite News The Muslim World League has condemned the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam,
Go toTop