Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to providing sugar and other essential items at affordable rates, emphasizing that price control remains a top priority.
Presiding over a meeting in Lahore on Sunday to review the supply and pricing of sugar, the prime minister highlighted the government’s recent crackdown on sugar smuggling, which he said had yielded positive results. He directed authorities to take concrete measures to control sugar prices and take strict action against hoarding.
PM Shehbaz also instructed preparing a comprehensive strategy to ensure the availability of sugar and other essential commodities at reasonable rates. He stressed the need for federal and provincial governments to work together to provide relief to the public, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
“Negligence in controlling the prices of essential items during Ramadan will not be tolerated,” the premier warned.
During the meeting, officials briefed the prime minister on the country’s sugar production and stock levels, confirming that sufficient supplies were available. Fair price shops had been established at the provincial level to sell sugar at reduced rates, and measures were being taken to curb smuggling.
The chief secretaries of all provinces, participating via video link, assured the meeting that strict action would be taken against illegal hoarding of sugar. They also pledged to strengthen efforts at the district administration level to ensure price stability.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Cheema, Federal Minister for Industries and Production Rana Tanveer Hussain, Federal Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, and other senior officials.
Separately, Prime Minister Shehbaz met with Federal Minister for Power Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari to discuss the electricity demand and supply situation in the country. The premier reiterated his earlier directive to the power division to reduce tariffs for all consumer categories and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during Sehri and Iftar in Ramadan.
