WHEAT SHORTAGE IN PAKISTAN

40,000t wheat supplied by Russia to Pakistan stolen by govt officials

Russia had earlier this month supplied 50,000 tonnes of wheat to Pakistan, which is facing a food shortage that even led to protests in recent weeks, as a humanitarian gesture to help address the crisis. Moscow plans to supply 450,000 tonnes of wheat to Pakistan through nine cargo ships, according to Pakistani officials.

Pakistan plays on both sides of Ukraine war

Islamabad has denied that it supplied arms to Ukraine. Pakistan Foreign spokesperson cited Pakistan’s record of “non- interference” in conflicts. But this is a sham as Pakistan joined the United States against the Russians in Afghanistan in the 1980s and again, the US-led “global war on terror” from 2001 onwards.

Onion shortage threatens a new chapter in world food crisis

The costs of wheat and grains have fallen in recent months, easing concern over access to some staples. But a combination of factors is now shaking up the vegetable market, the backbone of a healthy, sustainable diet. And at the sharp end of that is the humble onion.

Pakistan's deepening politico-economic crisis, IMF terms could fuel instability in region, say experts

"The current economic crisis is feeding into the ongoing political crisis (where the Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-I-Insaf party has dissolved two provincial assemblies to force fresh elections)... the conditions that IMF is likely to impose for releasing money will of course cause a great deal of short-term pain which may have a political fall-out," said Ambassador TCA Raghavan, former Indian envoy to Pakistan.

Political chaos, economic collapse and terror threat: Pakistan battling a perfect storm of crises

Its economy is in the doldrums and may collapse at any moment; vast regions of its territory along the Afghan border are increasingly falling under the influence of a resurgent Pakistan Taliban; and its major political parties are locked in a fiery battle that may not get resolved even if general elections are held later this year -- a situation that may raise the possibility of the country's return to military rule.

Gilgit-Baltistan reels under the mismanagement by Pakistan

The deteriorating condition of Gilgit-Baltistan is a matter of great concern as the region has lost its political and constitutional identity in the past seven decades, reported Voice of Vienna. Gilgit-Baltistan is currently in a serious financial crisis and seeking the release of funds from the federal government.

Pakistan facing net wheat deficit of 2.37 million metric tons, says food minister

At present, Pakistan is facing its worst-ever flour crisis with parts of the country reporting a shortage of wheat and stampedes reported from several areas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Sindh and Balochistan provinces.

Pakistan is South Asia's weakest economy: World Bank report

​Pakistan had unprecedented floods in July last year, devastating large swathes of farmlands. The forex reserves in the country which hit a new low of USD 4.6 billion would only be enough to pay for foreign import bills for three weeks. The analysts put Pakistan's need for relief at USD 33 billion.

Pakistan staring at bankruptcy, next few months critical for the economy

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif who is in the UAE announced on Thursday that the Gulf nation has agreed to provide a $2 billion loan along with an additional $1 billion to support the economy.

Pakistan flour crisis worsens; prices skyrocket amidst wheat shortage, stampedes reported

Tens of thousands spend hours daily to get the subsidized bags of flour that are already short in supply in the market. Chaotic scenes are often witnessed as people gather around vehicles pushing each other as the mini-trucks and vans escorted by armed guards go about distributing the flour.

Pakistan flour crisis worsens; stampedes reported as prices skyrocket amidst wheat shortage

ET Explainer: All you need to know on Pakistan's worst flour crisis

The prices of wheat flour, which is one of the key constituents of the staple diet of people in Pakistan, have skyrocketed amid the ongoing crisis. In Karachi, flour is being sold for Rs 140/kg-160/kg. Meanwhile, in Islamabad and Peshawar, a 10kg bag of flour is being sold at Rs 1,500 and a 20kg bag at Rs 2,800.

2015 to 2022 likely to be 8 warmest years on record: WMO report

The report titled 'WMO Provisional State of the Global Climate 2022' released at the 27th Conference of Parties to the UNFCCC on Sunday stated that the rate of sea level rise has doubled since 1993 and has risen by nearly 10 mm since January 2020 to a new record high this year.

Pakistan: Most flood victims back home, few remain in camps

The country's disaster management agency said the latest data shows that slightly less than 50,000 people are currently staying in camps in Sindh, compared to half a million who were living in tents there in September.

Floods to cause USD 4 billion loss to Pakistan's economy: Report

Pakistan, where agriculture has a 23 per cent share in gross domestic product (GDP), can remain highly vulnerable in the aftermath of the floods that have killed nearly 1,000 people and injured and displaced thousands more since mid-June.

Rice price rise a concern as food inflation speeds up in India

Concerns around elevated wheat prices made analysts apprehensive of the chances of consumers shifting to rice in a bid to opt for cheaper food options which could lead to an uptick in its prices.

Feed the world? India has a chapati crisis brewing at home

Around mid-April, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised U.S. President Joe Biden that India could feed the world. If the World Trade Organization allowed it, “India is ready to supply food stocks to the world from tomorrow,” Modi said, recalling the conversation.

Pakistan grants two months extension to India for transportation of wheat, medicines to Afghanistan

Foreign Office said that the time period granted for transportation of the humanitarian assistance expired on March 21 and the Government of India recently requested for extension in time period to complete the transportation process.

Russia-Ukraine war impact: India's grain exporters are gearing up to fill the huge gaps in global stocks, especially wheat

A protracted war in the Black Sea region and extended sanctions against Russia entail risks of economic upheaval across the world — and India will not be spared. New Delhi is already bearing the brunt of high global crude oil prices (about $110-120 a barrel as against $70 in the beginning of November) as well as rising mineral, metal and edible oil prices, indicating a possible scenario of high inflation and low growth — stagflation.

India sends medicines to Afghanistan, wheat to follow

Since the chaotic Taliban takeover of Kabul, an already war-devastated Afghan economy once kept alive by international donations is on the verge of collapse. Nearly 80% of Afghanistan's previous government's budget came from the international community. That money, now cut off, financed hospitals, schools, factories and government ministries.

Pakistan, India inch closer towards deal on Afghan wheat transit:Report

Both countries have agreed to the modalities, and the shipment of wheat would commence once Pakistan approves the list of Afghan contractors and drivers, the Express Tribune newspaper said.

India wants to send wheat to ease Afghan hunger crisis. Pakistan has yet to OK transit.

Despite agreeing to help Afghanistan, the souring relationship between India and Pakistan is getting in the way of 50,000 tons of Indian wheat reaching Afghanistan, officials say, in the latest sign that regional rivalries that have haunted the fragile country for decades continue to affect even the delivery of lifesaving assistance.