Islamabad (Staff Report/Agencies): The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) on Monday approved import of 0.3 million tons of wheat without regulatory duty to overcome the ongoing flour crisis in the country.
According to details, Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez chaired the meeting of the ECC.
The committee was Economic Coordination Committee was informed that the first shipment of wheat is likely to arrive in the country by February 15 whereas the wheat imports would be allowed in the country till March 31.
The committee asked the government Punjab and Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) to release their stocks to overcome wheat shortage in the country.
The meeting was informed that Punjab and PASSCO have 41 lakh tons of wheat stocks available.
Meanwhile, the ECC also approved Gas Infrastructure Development Cess (GIDC) waiver of of Rs 400 per bag to ensure supply of cheap fertilizers to the farmers.