Pakistan is facing a major decision on wheat prices as Punjab has proposed a support price of Rs. 4,200 per maund, while Sindh has asked for Rs. 5,000.

The federal government has sought recommendations from all provinces before deciding the new support price. It is also considering whether to subsidize wheat or allow the higher cost to reach consumers.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa told the federal government that it buys wheat from Punjab.

Imported wheat is already costing around Rs. 5,000 per maund after additional expenses. The wheat was imported at $345 per ton, with the total cost rising to around Rs. 5,000 per maund after other charges.

Farmers have raised concerns over the price difference, saying imported wheat is being purchased at around Rs. 5,000 per maund while local wheat was previously procured at roughly Rs. 3,500.

Local wheat also has around 25 percent gluten compared with about 23 percent in imported wheat.

Earlier, three provinces requested a combined 750,000 tons of wheat. So far, 215,000 tons have been imported, including 100,000 tons allocated to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and 115,000 tons to Sindh.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa had requested 200,000 tons, Sindh 300,000 tons and Punjab 250,000 tons.

The government is now expected to reissue a tender for another 200,000 tons of wheat. The additional wheat is expected to be imported at a higher price.