PPP’s Naveed Qamar allowed sugar export: Ahsan Iqbal

ISLAMABAD: Former federal minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Ahsan Iqbal has said that the Ministry of Commerce under former minister Naveed Qamar granted permission for the sugar export.

The PML-N leader’s statement comes as the country faces rising sugar prices due to concerns over hoarding and cartels.

Talking to a private TV, Ahsan Iqbal said that the previous government was a coalition and the PML-N could not be held solely responsible for the sugar crisis.

He said that during the previous coalition government, the responsibility for such decisions did not solely rest with one party.

He emphasised the urgent need to dismantle smuggling, cartelisation and mafias operating in the country.

Mr Naveed Qamar allowed official export of 250, 000 tons sugar to help Mr Dar with some Foreign exchange.
Honourable Rana Sanaullah allowed 1.4 million tons sugar to be smuggled. Dollars were earned by smugglers. But Mr. Ahsan Iqbal holds Mr. Naveed Qamar responsible.

— Taj Haider (@Sen_TajHaider) September 4, 2023

Meanwhile, in Quetta, the price of sugar has reached its highest level, raising concerns about further price hikes due to stockpiling.

In Quetta, sugar is being sold at Rs230 per kilogram with a 50-kilogram bag priced at Rs10,500 after a significant increase.

Additionally, in the city, white chickpeas are being sold at Rs520 per kilogram after a Rs100 increase, while masoor lentils are being sold at Rs370 after an increase of Rs70 per kilogram.

In Rawalpindi and Islamabad, sugar prices have surged up to Rs200 per kg.

In Faisalabad, its price has reached up to Rs200 per kilogram. A 50-kilogram bag of sugar is being sold at Rs8,800 in wholesale markets, with retailers purchasing sugar at Rs176 per kilogram in wholesale markets.

The decision to allow sugar imports is expected to alleviate the rising sugar prices and provide relief to the citizens who have been burdened by the escalating costs of the essential commodity.

Web Desk