ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday authorized a “major crackdown” against sugar smugglers and hoarders across the country in a bid to control the food commodity’s price, the state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said in a report.
Sugar is one of the largest consumed food products in Pakistan. It is used in large amounts in food processing, beverages, and bakery items. However, there have been several instances in the past when sugar barons in Pakistan were found to be involved in sugar profiteering and hoarding.
Similarly, federal governments in Pakistan have provided subsidies on the export of surplus sugar in the past, which turned out to be a scam of billions of rupees. Experts increasingly blame influential businessmen and politicians of colluding to hike sugar prices in local markets and then offering subsidies for its export as well.
The prime minister’s directives to authorities came during a high-level meeting in Lahore, which was attended by top Punjab government and police officials. The premier expressed “strong displeasure” over reports of smuggling and profiteering of sugar across the country, the APP said.
“Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Sunday authorized a major crackdown against smuggling and hoarding of sugar and profiteering,” the APP said, adding that the premier has summoned another high-level meeting in Islamabad on Monday to finalize measures to halt sugar smuggling.
Sharif said those found guilty of profiteering and hoarding would be handed exemplary punishments, adding that the masses would not be left at the mercy of profiteers and hoarders.
“We will take action against those who are causing difficulties for the people,” he said.
The prime minister also instructed Chief Minister Punjab Mohsin Naqvi to take effective steps to control the price of sugar in the province and monitor the situation.
“The prime minister also instructed the chief minister Punjab to hold a meeting with sugar mills owners for taking steps with them to stop the prices of sugar from rising,” the APP added.
