Friday, 29 March 2024, 10:33:18 am

Analysts hail commitment of government to ensure food security in the country
December 05, 2022

Rana Ihsaan Afzal (SAPM): The government has decided to import 450,000 metric tonnes of wheat from Russia in order to ensure food security and maintain strategic reserves of commodities in the country. It does not mean that we have a shortage of wheat or other commodities in the country. Rather, it is a precautionary measure to avert any untoward situation. Another development is that this wheat will be imported at Gawadar Port. Top quality wheat is being imported at much cheaper rates. The Minister of State for Petroleum Musadik Malik has disclosed that Russia has agreed to provide crude oil and refined petroleum products including petrol and diesel to Pakistan at discounted rates. A Russian delegation is expected to visit Pakistan soon in order to finalize the agreements. The first cargo in this regard will start from January.

A. M. Shahid (Former Ambassador): Russia has always been an important country to Pakistan in regional context and Moscow is also an important stakeholder in Shanghai Cooperation Organization. However, we have to be careful in making an agreement with Russia keeping in view the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the international sanctions in this regard. We hope to get oil and gas from Russia at reduced rates but the main issue will be the mode of payment. Pakistan at this point of time is passing through a difficult phase in terms of trade deficit and economic issues and Russia can play an important role to overcome these challenges. If the projects and agreements with Russia are materialized, it will benefit Pakistan to a great extent.