Islamabad, March 2, 2025: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to implement strict measures to regulate sugar prices, emphasizing that ensuring affordable essential commodities remains the government’s top priority, especially during Ramazan.
Chairing a high-level meeting on sugar supply and pricing, the prime minister warned that negligence in price control would not be tolerated. Officials were instructed to intensify monitoring efforts and take decisive action against hoarding and smuggling.
According to reports, the country has sufficient sugar stock, and Fair Price Shops have been set up at the provincial level to provide sugar at subsidized rates. The government has also vowed to crack down on sugar smuggling, with strict legal action planned against those involved.
Provincial chief secretaries assured the meeting that measures against illegal hoarding are being strictly enforced, with local administrations actively monitoring the situation at the district level. The prime minister noted that recent government efforts to curb sugar smuggling have yielded positive results and called for a coordinated strategy between federal and provincial authorities to maintain price stability.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Economic Affairs Minister Ahad Khan Cheema, Industry and National Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain, and senior government officials. The chief secretaries of all four provinces participated via video link.
PM Shehbaz reiterated that no leniency would be shown in controlling prices and combating hoarding, ensuring that relief reaches the public during Ramazan.
