Pakistan’s Shehbaz Sharif Government Lifts Flour Export Ban Amid Millers’ Strike
The government of Pakistan, led by Shehbaz Sharif, has lifted a ban on the export of flour made from imported wheat. This decision comes amid a nationwide strike by flour millers protesting a new withholding tax.
The All-Pakistan Flour Mills Association (PFMA) argues that the tax will increase flour prices and disrupt the supply chain. The ban on exporting flour from locally produced wheat remains in place. The strike continues as millers demand the tax be revoked.
Background
The ban was initially imposed in March after farmers protested against wheat imports despite high local crop production. The Pakistan Ministry of Commerce issued notifications to lift the ban, but no export data is available on the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics website.
Current Situation
On Thursday, the PFMA went on strike against the new withholding tax, which they claim will increase flour prices by PKR 8 per kg. Flour dealers and small wheat grinding units joined the protest, causing supply disruptions. PFMA Chairperson Asim Raza stated that the tax measure is impracticable and unacceptable, and the strike will continue until their demands are met.
