PM Sharif calls for crackdown on sugar hoarding, smuggling

LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday directed the officials concerned to take strict measures to regulate sugar prices and launch a crackdown on hoarding.

Chairing a meeting on the supply and price control of sugar in the country, the prime minister stressed that providing essential food items at affordable prices to the public remains the government’s top priority.

He said that the government’s crackdown on sugar smuggling in recent months had helped curb the practice.

The meeting was briefed on sugar production, revealing that the country currently has an abundant stock of sugar.

The meeting was told that fair price shops have been established at the provincial level to ensure the sale of sugar at affordable rates.

It was also stated that comprehensive measures would be taken to eliminate sugar smuggling, with strict action planned against smugglers.

Provincial chief secretaries briefed the meeting on efforts to curb illegal sugar hoarding, emphasizing that district-level administrations would remain vigilant in this regard.

Also read: Pakistan Rangers seize 140,000 bags of sugar in anti-hoarding operation

The prime minister ordered stringent measures to control sugar prices and called for strict action against those involved in hoarding.

PM Sharif also instructed authorities to develop a strategy for ensuring the availability of sugar and other essential commodities at reasonable prices during the holy month of Ramadan.

He urged federal and provincial governments to work together to provide affordable essential goods to the common people.

He warned that no negligence in controlling the prices of sugar and other essential items during Ramadan would be tolerated.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahsan Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Industries and National Food Security Rana Tanvir Hussain, and other senior government officials.

Chief secretaries of all four provinces participated via video link.