Islamabad: (RightNow) Approximately 4.5 million tons of wheat from Punjab and 600,000 tons from Sindh have reportedly disappeared. This revelation emerged during a high-level meeting, creating a potential wheat crisis in the country.

The lack of investigation into the wheat crisis may lead to an import bill reaching $1 billion. This crisis has raised questions about hoarding, increasing pressure on the government.

Sources indicate that Punjab officials contacted other provinces, but they expressed unawareness. Authorities suggest that the wheat might have fallen victim to hoarding.

The government had set the wheat support price at Rs 3,500 per maund. Despite this, the private sector showed no interest in purchasing wheat and demanded loans from banks.

It is noteworthy that in recent years, Punjab allowed the private sector to purchase wheat instead of government procurement.