Sugar, flour crisis report

Prime Minister Imran Khan has been receiving immense heat after the findings of a high-powered investigation formed to enquire the flour and sugar crisis incriminated several of his close aides and party leaders. The prime minister had vowed to expose those behind the artificial shortages that struck the nation even if it involved those close to him.

The prime minister should rather be appreciated for releasing the report and fulfilling his promise. This is the first time ever that an enquiry report has been made public. It was also unheard of in previous governments that an investigation involving close confidantes or vested interests would be allowed to be conducted let alone release. The FIA chief, who was leading the investigation, claimed receiving threats from the sugar and wheat cartels and had informed the prime minister but was instructed to continue his work without any interference.

Days after these initial findings were released, the prime minister sprang to action shuffling the federal cabinet including several individuals implicated in the report. Khusro Bakhtiar, whose brother was a key named as a beneficiary in the crisis, was forced to resign from the lucrative Ministry of National Food Security but was offered another position. Even PTI stalwart Jehangir Tareen was removed as chairman on as task force on agriculture, even though he denied holding the position. He has termed the report as political and targeted against him but it clearly evident that he would be pushed into further oblivion.

The prime minister should take more stringent action rather than shifting positions. He is expected to wait until the detailed forensic audit report is released on April 25, and the axe is expected to fall on key figures. The prime minister has repeatedly stated that strict action will be taken again profiteers and hoarders. The nation expects him to make an example of powerful lobbies creating artificial shortages for quick gains while the people continue to suffer.

It is also observed that politicians or their close aides own huge business entities particularly in the sugar, wheat, and rice industry. This creates a conflict of interests, violation of ethics and misuse of power. The connection between politics and the sugar or wheat industry is well known and cannot be denied. The prime minister needs to take decisive action to break the monopolistic control from a handful of industrialists and politicians.

The common man suffered as an artificial shortage was created earlier this year. The crisis quickly evaporated after it was claimed there are sufficient stock in the country and these cartels filled their pockets. It is imperative those responsible for the crisis should be held accountable.