The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved a significant change in the way wheat is supplied to the Pakistan Army, opting for fresh, locally grown grain instead of the current combination of imported and domestic wheat. The decision reflects growing concerns over food quality while also promising substantial savings for the national exchequer.
During a meeting chaired by Finance Minister Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, the committee approved the provision of 175,000 tonnes of indigenous wheat from the 2026-27 crop for military use. The move follows recommendations from the Ministry of Defense, which highlighted that wheat flour is a staple food for soldiers and plays a vital role in maintaining their nutrition, particularly for personnel serving in challenging environments such as glaciers, deserts, and remote operational areas.
According to defense officials, flour prepared from imported wheat did not meet expectations in terms of taste, texture, and the overall quality of chapatis served to troops. These concerns prompted the military to seek a return to fresh local wheat, which is considered better suited to the dietary preferences and nutritional needs of soldiers.
The shift is expected to bring financial benefits as well. Estimates presented to the ECC indicate that relying entirely on locally produced wheat could reduce spending on imported grain by nearly Rs2.8 billion, easing pressure on government resources while supporting domestic agricultural production.
The meeting also reviewed a financial sustainability and governance proposal submitted by Quaid-i-Azam University in Islamabad. However, the committee decided not to approve the plan in its current form. Instead, university officials were asked to work with independent financial experts to develop a more practical strategy that would strengthen the institution’s finances without affecting its academic standards or day-to-day operations.
Alongside these decisions, the ECC endorsed amendments to Pakistan’s Import Policy Order, 2022, to bring the country’s import regulations into line with international labour standards. The committee also formally approved previously announced measures related to the closure of the Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO), including compensation for employees and the disposal of wheat stocks damaged during floods.
The approval of fresh local wheat for the armed forces signals a policy shift that balances quality, cost savings, and support for local farmers. At the same time, the committee’s stance on Quaid-i-Azam University’s financial plan shows its emphasis on ensuring that long-term reforms are both financially sound and academically sustainable. Together, these decisions highlight the government’s broader effort to improve efficiency, reduce unnecessary costs, and strengthen key public institutions.