Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar has emphatically stated that there is no sugar shortage in the country, nor is there expected to be one in the future. He was addressing a meeting of the special committee in Islamabad, formed by the Prime Minister to assess the available sugar stock and its pricing.

According to Radio Pakistan, the meeting also considered the concerns of sugar mill owners. Ishaq Dar announced that the Ex-Mill Rate of sugar for the next month will be set at 159 rupees per kilogram, while the Retail Price will stand at 164 rupees per kilogram. He promised strict action against individuals attempting to create an artificial shortage of sugar.

Dar commended the sugar mills and trader associations for their role in maintaining sugar supplies to consumers at 130 rupees per kilogram in 274 “Sasta Ramazan Bazaars.” Furthermore, he declared the formation of a sub-committee to be led by Minister for Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain. This committee, which will include representatives from all relevant stakeholders such as sugar mill owners, aims to develop a mechanism for ensuring the steady supply and stable pricing of sugar in the country. The sub-committee is expected to submit its findings within a month.

He also mentioned that the next sugarcane crushing season will commence in November, with strict enforcement planned for any violations.