Karachi (February 23, 2026): Chairman of the Exchange Companies Association of Pakistan (ECAP), Malik Muhammad Bostan, has welcomed the government’s preparation of a comprehensive and long-term wheat policy for 2026–2030. He stated that this policy and modern reforms would help strengthen national food security.
Malik Muhammad Bostan said that the proposed policy, prepared by the Federal Ministry of National Food Security and Research, includes a digital traceability system, improved supply chain monitoring, enhanced transparency, and sustainable price stability. These measures would ensure effective coordination between federal and provincial governments.
He further stated that although there is no threat of wheat shortage in Pakistan and coordinated measures are being taken to ensure uninterrupted supply in markets, wheat procurement should be carried out through the public sector to maintain supply stability and ensure effective price management. If surplus wheat is available in the country, it should be exported.
Malik Muhammad Bostan said that foreign exchange reserves are strengthening and the dollar rate in the open market is stable. At present, Pakistan needs foreign exchange, and the nation has always been ready to sacrifice for the country. Overseas Pakistanis are sending higher remittances compared to before, and their confidence in the current government is increasing. He emphasized that policymakers should present practical and strong proposals to the government to boost national exports.
He noted that the textile sector plays a major role in Pakistan’s exports. After value addition, Pakistani products need to be marketed in international markets to obtain better prices for exporters. In Pakistan’s textile exports, apparel and value-added garments are an immediate source of growth. Local and foreign investors should be encouraged to invest long-term in value-added industries. For this, infrastructure must be further improved and made more accessible.
Regarding Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s visit to Qatar, Malik Muhammad Bostan said that Qatar is a brotherly Muslim country, and a large number of Pakistanis are employed there. He expressed confidence that Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif would discuss bilateral economic cooperation and investment with the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He hoped that this visit would further strengthen economic relations between Pakistan and Qatar.
