LAHORE: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif chaired a high-level meeting to review the supply and price control of essential commodities, particularly sugar, across the country.

Emphasizing the importance of ensuring affordability, PM Shehbaz stated that the government would not compromise on the smooth supply of food and beverages to the people at reasonable prices. He noted that recent government efforts against sugar smuggling had been effective in curbing illegal exports, stabilizing prices.

The Prime Minister directed concerned departments to implement strict measures for price control, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. He stressed that a comprehensive strategy should be devised to ensure the availability of sugar and other food items at reasonable rates, urging federal and provincial governments to collaborate in this effort. "No negligence will be tolerated in controlling the prices of sugar and other essential commodities during Ramadan," the Prime Minister warned. He also called for stronger measures to completely eliminate sugar smuggling, promising strict action against those involved in hoarding and illegal stockpiling. During the meeting, officials briefed the Prime Minister that the country currently has ample sugar stock. Additionally, fair price shops have been set up at the provincial level to sell sugar at lower prices, ensuring affordability for the general public. PM Shehbaz directed the district administration to actively monitor and prevent hoarding and ensure strict action against those stockpiling sugar illegally.

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 and Production and National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain, along with senior government officials. Chief secretaries of all four provinces participated via video link. The government remains committed to stabilizing prices and ensuring the uninterrupted supply of essential commodities during Ramadan.