ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Industries and Production, Rana Tanveer Hussain, chaired a significant meeting of the Pakistan Sugar Manufacturers Association (PSMA) on Tuesday, focusing on crucial decisions regarding sugar pricing and distribution across the country.

The meeting aimed to address the challenges of sugar availability and ensure that it is sold at affordable prices for the public. During the session, Minister Hussain reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring that sugar remains accessible to all segments of society. He highlighted the government's proactive approach to tackling sugar distribution challenges and revealed that a comprehensive micro-plan for sugar distribution would be rolled out in every district of the country starting this week.

This plan aims to streamline the process and ensure that sugar reaches consumers in a timely and efficient manner.One of the key announcements made during the meeting was the introduction of special measures to provide sugar at discounted rates during the upcoming holy month of Ramadan. Minister Hussain shared that sugar stalls would be set up in every district, beginning three days before Ramadan and continuing through to the 27th of Ramadan. These stalls will offer sugar in adequate quantities to avoid any shortage during this important time. In addition to the stalls, the Minister revealed that the price of sugar at discounted rates will be announced later this week, with a special focus on ensuring affordability for lower-income groups. The government's goal is to support the most vulnerable during Ramadan, ensuring that essential goods are available to all at reasonable prices. Minister Hussain emphasized the cooperation between federal and provincial governments in making the sugar stalls initiative a success across the country.

These stalls will be strategically placed to ensure accessibility to sugar for people in all regions, particularly those who may otherwise face challenges accessing the commodity. The Minister also stated that the government would monitor the implementation of the plan closely to avoid any discrepancies or challenges in sugar supply. Highlighting the significance of Ramadan, Minister Hussain remarked that the holy month is a time of reflection and worship, and the government's objective is to make sure that essential commodities like sugar are available to all citizens, especially the underprivileged, at affordable prices. The Minister reassured the public that stringent monitoring of sugar prices would be carried out throughout Ramadan to avoid any price hikes or difficulties in accessing sugar.The meeting also saw the participation of key members of the Pakistan Sugar Manufacturers Association, who discussed strategies to ensure a smooth supply chain and fair pricing throughout the country. The decisions taken during this session reflect the government's commitment to both consumer welfare and maintaining stability in the sugar market.