Former caretaker prime minister Anwarul Haq Kakar clarified his stance regarding the wheat import scandal, stating that he never blamed the provinces for the excessive wheat import. He accused the media of spreading false news about him during a press conference in Quetta on Tuesday, where he was accompanied by federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi and Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti.

Mr. Kakar emphasized that the decision to import wheat was based on information provided by the Food Security Department and followed established procedures. He mentioned that the government planned the wheat import, allowing the private sector to participate, and that all importation was conducted according to rules and regulations.

Referring to the distribution of responsibilities before and after the 18th Amendment, Mr. Kakar explained that while the federal government previously managed wheat production and national requirements, including import and export, these responsibilities now lie with the provinces. He stressed the need for discussions to address the wheat shortage and increase production.

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Interior Minister Naqvi announced plans to install floodlights at the Nawab Bugti cricket stadium within three months to promote cricket in Balochistan. He assured that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) would fulfill its promise to install floodlights by September, enabling Quetta to host Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches.

Additionally, Naqvi stated that the PCB would support cricket development in Gwadar and Quetta. Chief Minister Bugti expressed gratitude for the announcement and highlighted the federal government’s decision to implement a one-document system for crossing the Pak-Afghan border in response to the prolonged protest in Chaman. He emphasized that crossing the border would require a passport and visa, and unauthorized crossings would not be permitted.