PM orders to suspend PASSCO MD, GM for failure to utilize technology in wheat procurement

ISLAMABAD (APP) - Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday ordered to conduct a third-party audit of Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation's (PASSCO) stock, directing the authorities concerned to procure an additional 400,000 metric tonnes of wheat through a transparent process.

He was chairing a high-level meeting to review the demand and supply and procurement of wheat by the federal government.

The prime minister ordered the suspension of the Managing Director of Pakistan Agricultural Storage and Services Corporation (PASSCO) and General Manager Procurement for their failure to implement the earlier directives of utilising the technology in the wheat procurement.

He ordered to develop a mobile phone application to ensure transparent procurement of wheat and ordered the suspension of two senior officers of PASSCO over their negligence in this regard.

The prime minister said the government would not tolerate any economic loss to the farmers and resolved to take all-out measures for their prosperity and bringing food security in the country.

He assured that the government would reward the outstanding PASSCO centers and officers during the procurement process. Federal cabinet members Muhammad Aurangzeb, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Ahad Khan Cheema, Jam Kamal Khan, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Coordinator to PM Rana Ehsan Afzal and relevant senior officers attended the meeting.