PM constitutes three-member committee to probe sugar crisis

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan constituted a three-member committee to investigate the recent sugar crisis in the country.

According to a statement issued by PM’s office, the committee would comprise of Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) director-general, a representative of the Intelligence Bureau and Punjab Anti-Corruption Establishment director-general.

The committee will investigate several points which include:

• Whether the sugar production was low this year compared to last year?;

• Did the mills purchase sugarcane at higher prices? If yes then reasons thereof;

• Market manipulation by sugar mills, if any;

• Hoarding at the wholesale or retail level and within sugar mills vis-à-vis stocks of last year;

• Was the sugar export justified? Any subsidy given on export and its impact with potential beneficiaries;

• Role of various stakeholders including government and private sector in increase in sugar prices;

The committee will also identify and fix responsibility, if any, on any individual, including any purported benefit to a private party, besides suggesting a way forward for future course of action.

Earlier on Feb 7, PM Imran approved a summary to ban the export of sugar.