LAHORE: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to take strict action against sugar hoarders and smugglers, stating that nobody will be allowed to make undue profits by increasing the prices of essential commodities, especially sugar.
He gave these instructions while chairing a meeting on sugar prices and steps to control hoarding and smuggling of the commodity in Lahore on Friday.
During the meeting, PM Shehbaz was briefed about the current price of sugar, the cost estimate after data provided by the Ministry of Food Security, and the available stocks of sugar in the country.
PM Shehbaz instructed the Ministry of National Food Security to involve all stakeholders in the consultation process while determining the ex-mill rate of the commodity.
PM Shehbaz directs the seized sugar stocks be made available for sale
Furthermore, the Prime Minister directed that the seized sugar stocks should be made available for sale to consumers at cheaper rates. He emphasized the need for strict action against those involved in the sugar smuggling and creating an artificial shortage of the commodity.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research Tariq Bashir Cheema, Caretaker Chief Minister of Punjab Syed Mohsin Naqvi, and other high officials.
The Prime Minister’s directive comes amid reports of sugar hoarding and price hikes across the country. The government has been cracking down on hoarders and smugglers to control the sugar prices and ensure the availability of the commodity at reasonable rates for consumers.
The government’s measures to control the sugar prices have been welcomed by the public, who have been struggling with the rising cost of essential commodities. The Prime Minister’s directive to deal with sugar hoarders and smugglers with an iron hand is expected to further strengthen the government’s efforts to control the prices of sugar and ensure its availability for the public.
