After a surge in sugar prices across Pakistan, the federal government reportedly has decided to fully deregulate the sugar sector, allowing market forces to determine imports and exports, officials said.
According to media reports, sugar prices have reached Rs 230 per kilogram in Quetta, while in Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar, rates range between Rs 190 and Rs 200 per kilogram.
The government plans to present recommendations from a special committee to the Prime Minister on deregulation. Federal Minister for Food Security Rana Tanveer said the market will decide whether sugar should be imported or exported.
In Punjab, out of 41 sugar mills, 27 have started crushing, while 14 mills remain inactive. Authorities have prepared an action plan against idle mills, and monitoring teams have been formed.
According to the Keen Commissioner, mills that fail to commence crushing will face a daily fine of Rs 1 million.
