Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to address the supply and price control of sugar across the country. He directed authorities to take stringent measures to stabilize sugar prices and prevent illegal activities such as smuggling and hoarding, reports The Patriot.
During the briefing, officials reported that the country currently has an abundant stock of sugar. Provincial authorities have established fair price shops to provide sugar at lower rates, while strong measures are being implemented to eradicate smuggling. Strict actions will be taken against those involved in such activities.
Provincial chief secretaries informed the meeting that district-level administrations would actively monitor and take action against illegal sugar hoarding. They assured that efforts would be intensified to prevent stockpiling and ensure fair distribution.
Speaking at the meeting, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized that providing essential food items at affordable rates remains a top priority for the government. “Over the past months, our strict actions against sugar smuggling have yielded positive results. We will continue these efforts to ensure stability in the market,” he stated.
He directed officials to implement a comprehensive strategy to maintain the supply of sugar and other essential commodities at reasonable prices, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. The Prime Minister stressed the need for coordinated efforts between federal and provincial governments to ensure affordability for the general public.
“No negligence will be tolerated in controlling the prices of sugar and other essential commodities during Ramadan,” he warned.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Industries and Production and National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, along with senior government officials. The chief secretaries of all four provinces joined the meeting via video link to discuss their respective strategies.
