LAHORE – In a move aimed at modernizing Pakistan’s agricultural trading infrastructure, the Punjab government officially appointed the Pakistan Mercantile Exchange (PMEX) as the digital trading platform for Electronic Warehouse Receipts (EWRs) under the Chief Minister Punjab EWR Financing Facility.
This strategic decision paves the way for wheat stored in certified warehouses to be traded electronically, offering farmers, traders and investors enhanced market access, transparent pricing and seamless transactions through their mobile devices.
Khurram Zafar, CEO of PMEX, welcomed the partnership, and said, “We are privileged to be part of this game-changing initiative. Our advanced platform will empower market participants with real-time price discovery, increased transparency, and trust — all of which are crucial for a dynamic and inclusive agri-trading environment.”
The Electronic Warehouse Receipts act as secure digital documentation of commodity ownership.
Issued by licensed storage facilities, they are supported by a robust framework that includes collateral management firms, certified warehouse operators, and financial institutions.
The initiative addresses critical post-harvest challenges by limiting distress sales and connecting farmers to formal financial networks. It also provides them with access to a regulated, SECP-supervised platform that ensures fair pricing and national market integration.
The program reflects the shared vision of the Punjab government, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to strengthen rural economies, expand financial inclusion, and modernize the country’s agricultural marketplace.
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