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

Border Sealed, Hopes on Hold

A Hindu family from Balochistan’s Sibi was reportedly denied entry into India after the closure of border crossing….reports Asian Lite News Pakistan and India’s decision to shut down the Wagah-Attari border crossing

India Praises UAE’s Global AI Benchmark 

Kaustubh Dhavse, Maharashtra CM’s OSD, hailed the UAE’s AI model as a global benchmark driving digital innovation and attracting global talent…reports Asia Lite News Kaustubh Dhavse, Joint Secretary and Officer on Special

India, Saudi Hold Inaugural Army Staff Talks 

A key highlight of the talks was the exploration of collaboration in operational logistics, battlefield management systems, and niche technologies.  The inaugural Army-to-Army Staff Talks (AAST) between the Indian Army and the

Arab World Condemns Kashmir Terror Attack 

The Arab world has strongly condemned the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, with leaders from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Iraq, Jordan, and the broader League of Arab States offering condolences

Modi’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ in Action

“The 1st tranche of 17,030 vials of Vaccines for the Immunisation of patients with Thalassemia was handed over to Nepal…reports Asian Lite News In pursuance of its commitment to Prime Minister Narendra
Go toTop