Providing essential goods at affordable rates is the government’s top priority, says Shehbaz Sharif

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to take strict measures to regulate sugar prices, emphasising that ensuring affordable essential commodities for the public is the government’s top priority.

He warned that no negligence will be tolerated in controlling prices, especially during the holy month of Ramazan.

Chairing a high-level meeting on sugar supply and pricing, the prime minister instructed officials to intensify price control efforts.

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According to reports, the meeting was briefed on sugar production, confirming that the country has sufficient stock.

It was revealed that Fair Price Shops have been set up at the provincial level to provide sugar at subsidised rates. Additionally, tough actions will be taken to eliminate sugar smuggling, and strict legal measures will be enforced against smugglers.

Provincial chief secretaries assured the meeting that crackdowns on illegal sugar hoarding will be strictly implemented, with local administrations actively monitoring the situation at the district level.

During the discussion, PM Shehbaz highlighted that recent government actions against sugar smuggling have yielded positive results.

He stressed the importance of a joint strategy between federal and provincial governments to ensure affordable sugar and essential commodities for the public, particularly during Ramazan.

The prime minister reiterated that no leniency would be shown in controlling prices and combating hoarding.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Ahad Khan Cheema, Federal Minister for Industry, Production, and National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, along with senior government officials.

The chief secretaries of all four provinces participated via video link.