ISLAMABAD(National Times): The Pakistan Economy Watch (PEW) on Wednesday said more than 32 per cent increase in the issue price of wheat being provided to flour mills will result in inflation and hit masses.

It demanded strict action against elements involved in delaying the import of wheat and sugar which resulted in a price hike.

Unnecessary delay in import of wheat and sugar has not only increased prices in the local market but will also inflict heavy losses on the national exchequer, said Chairman PRW Brigadier (retd) Muhammad Aslam Khan.

Change in Afghanistan has also increased demand for wheat which will have an impact on prices in Pakistan therefore wheat should be imported without delay, he added.

In a statement issued here today, he said that Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) delayed import of wheat and sugar despite repeated requests from Ministry for National Food Security.

The government decided to import half a million tonnes of sugar in the month of January but so far only one hundred thousand tonnes of sugar was imported which pushed up the prices locally benefitting hoarders, he said.