NAB launches probe into wheat corruption

The National Accountability Bureau has launched a thorough investigation into instances of alleged corruption that created a severe wheat and flour crisis in Punjab. The anti-graft watchdog has initiated probes against several members of the Punjab food department and a number of mill owners in the Bahawalpur, DG Khan and Multan districts, sources said.

The Punjab food secretary is also set to brief the NAB director general on October 12. In a letter, a copy of which is available with The Express Tribune, the secretary informed the NAB chief that he would deliver a comprehensive presentation on the administrative framework and human resource employed by the Punjab food department for the procurement of government wheat. He will also share the appointment periods of the department’s various senior officers along with details about the procedure for their deputation.

According to sources, the NAB chief has also invited the representatives of the Flour Mills Association on October 12 to present their recommendations on how to improve the procurement process for government wheat. The representatives will also explain how the industry currently operates and why there is a flour shortage.

Meanwhile, the Federal Board of Revenue and the federal national food security minister confirmed a 5.5 per cent income tax exemption for the import of 1.5 million tonnes of wheat. In case the exemption is to be extended or if the private sector wishes to import more than the allowed quantity of wheat, the food security ministry will have to obtain the approval of the Economic Coordination Committee.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 11^th, 2020.