Senate Standing Committee on Food Security raises alarm over rice export crisis
ISLAMABAD ( WEB NEWS )
The Senate Standing Committee on National Food Security & Research, under the chairmanship of Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, held a critical session to review a range of pressing national food security issues.
The session was attended by Senators Poonjo Bheel, Dost Muhammad Khan, Rahat Jamali , Abdul Wasay, Danesh Kumar, Aimal Wali Khan, Sardar Al Haj Muhammad Ajmer Gorgaij, and Senator Abdul Karim.
Chairman of the Rice Importers Association voiced grave concerns over the steep decline in Basmati rice exports, once Pakistan’s most lucrative export commodity. “Pakistan achieved a historic high in rice exports, but we are now witnessing a drastic fall — even lower than India — due to interrupted shipments to EU countries,” he stated.
Senator Danesh Kumar underscored the crisis further, highlighting that exports worth Rs. 5 billion were being halted due to restrictive policies. “We were not consulted in the NAFSA Ordinance. Policies must support the economy and exporters, not strangle them,” he said, demanding a full inquiry into the matter.
The committee resolved to gather views from all key exporter and importer associations before finalizing the NAFSA Ordinance. Chairman Senator Masroor Ahsan directed all stakeholders to submit their formal recommendations before the next session. One of the top concerns discussed was the *non-compliance* with the committee’s earlier directions regarding the appointment of the Director General of Plant Protection (DPP)
Chairman Syed Masroor Ahsan stated unequivocally: The appointment has been nullified by the court, yet no notification has been issued. This is a direct violation of judicial orders. The Ministry must act within 48 hours. Committee members expressed displeasure over the continued inaction. Senator Aimal Wali Khan remarked: The committee had clearly recommended the demotion, yet it remains unimplemented.” Ministry officials assured that the matter is awaiting the return of the Minister and will be finalized soon.
The Committee reviewed inquiry reports related to Dr. Tariq Khan, Allah Ditta Abid, and Sohail Shahzad, all Ex-Directors (Technical) of DPP. After hearing their pleas, the Committee expressed serious concerns. These are not light allegations. Officers may have been made scapegoats,” said Chairman Ahsan. We need a detailed investigation to determine whether the charges were based on fair and just grounds.To ensure transparency, a subcommittee under Senator Poonjo Bheel was formed, with support from Senator Saleem Mandviwala, to investigate all related inquiries.
Secretary of the Ministry of Food Security revealed that: Two separate inquiries had been conducted against these officers. One involved rice consignment irregularities, while another spanned *2005 to 2025*, targeting 49 officers (including retirees).The Establishment Division and the Ministry conducted the investigations jointly. Some officers were relieved, others faced disciplinary action,” said the Secretary. The matter cannot be resolved by punishing officers who weren’t responsible,” said Senator Aimal Wali Khan. This needs a detailed investigation, added Senator Saleem Mandviwala.
A three-member subcommittee has now been tasked to *submit a comprehensive report. In addition an audit of aircraft spray operations, budget allocations and third-party assessments ,by firms like ASSL was also recommended by the committee.
In a briefing on the recent flood devastation, officials from the Ministry of Food Security reported that: 2.5 million acres of agricultural land across all provinces have been damaged; 7% of Punjab and KP’s agricultural land was severely affected; KP alone suffered damage to 3.5 million acres.
The worst-hit crops include rice, sugarcane, and maize in Punjab. This is a national disaster,” declared Chairman Senator Masroor Ahsan. The affected areas must be declared disaster-hit, and immediate assistance should be provided through the Benazir Income Support Program.”