ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, chaired a crucial meeting today to address concerns over sugar prices and ensure uniform enforcement of agreed rates nationwide. The meeting was attended by Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Haroon Akhtar, the Secretary of Industries, and other senior officials. Representatives from all four provinces also participated via Zoom, providing updates on sugar prices at both the ex-mill and retail levels.
During the meeting, Rana Tanveer Hussain firmly dismissed claims of discrepancies in sugar pricing, asserting that the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) had already agreed to set the wholesale price at Rs. 159 per kg. He emphasized that provincial authorities must ensure compliance with this agreement to prevent unnecessary price fluctuations.
Punjab representatives confirmed that the wholesale price of sugar in the province is Rs. 159 per kg, while the retail price averages Rs. 164 per kg, citing district-wise data from the provincial commodity price management system. Sindh representatives reported that the retail price in the province stands at Rs. 168 per kg, based on data from the Sindh Bureau of Prices.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Secretary of Food reported that the ex-mill price of sugar in the province stands at Rs. 164 per kg. In response, Federal Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain stressed that KP authorities must enforce the agreed wholesale price of Rs. 159 per kg, as per the PSMA agreement. Balochistan representatives highlighted a declining trend in sugar prices, reporting the current rate at Rs. 168 per kg.
Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain categorically stated that any deviation from the agreed sugar prices is unacceptable. He directed all provincial governments to strictly enforce the wholesale price of Rs. 159 per kg and the retail price of Rs. 164 per kg, with daily monitoring and strict action against any violations.
The Government of Pakistan, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, remains committed to public welfare. The minister reaffirmed that the Ministry of National Food Security & Research is dedicated to ensuring price stability and food security, working in close coordination with provincial authorities to safeguard consumer interests and prevent market manipulation.
