PM delays action against beneficiaries of sugar crisis inquiry report

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has reportedly delayed the release and implementation of the inquiry report into the sugar and wheat crises, it has been learnt.

On Aprile 4, the prime minister had directed has inquiry commission formed to probe the crises to release the report and also submit a forensic analysis of its findings. The inquiry was supposed to release the forensic report last month but have demanded three more weeks for submitting it.

The report made the shocking discovery that several Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leaders were among those who benefited from the sugar crisis. According to the report, Jahangir Khan Tareen and a brother of federal minister Khusro Bakhtiar were the major beneficiaries of the sugar crisis.

The release of the report was seen as a message that the prime minister will take action against those attempting to gain favours and also uphold transparency and accountability. However, the prime minister has now decided not to take action as he does not want a confrontation with Tareen and allies Chaudhry Shujaat and Pervaiz Elahi.

Well informed sources revealed that it was relayed to the prime minister that releasing the report during the current situation could have far-reaching consequences and even risk political instability in the country.

The prime minister has instead decided to address the concerns of party allies and leaders as it could create further trouble for the government. The reports have even divided PTI leaders as many supported Tareen and claimed the report as an attempt to defame him.

Sources also informed that action cannot be taken against Tareen, Bakhtiar, Nadeem Babar and PM’s adviser on commerce Abdul Razaq Dawood as it has deeper implications for this government. As a result, the prime minister has decided to resolve the issue with reconciliation rather than escalating tensions.

The prime minister had constituted two high-powered committees under Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Director General Wajid Zia to probe into circumstances that led to the wheat and flour controversy and the reasons behind the increase in sugar prices in the country.