The Ministry of National Food Security announced on Saturday that Pakistan will be importing 200,000 metric tonnes of sugar to help bring down prices and make sure there is enough sugar available in the local markets.
Officials said that the buying process is almost done and the first shipment is expected to arrive in early September.
This move comes as the country faces a growing sugar shortage. Many areas, including Lahore and Islamabad, have reported low supplies, while prices in cities like Karachi and Quetta have gone up. People have been worried about rising costs and difficulty in finding sugar in the shops.
Government officials explained that the sugar import deal was secured at a discounted price in the international market. This means it will not put too much extra burden on the government’s budget. The main aim is to avoid sudden price jumps and keep sugar affordable for everyone.
The federal government has promised to strictly monitor the sugar market to make sure the agreed prices are followed. They warned traders not to hoard sugar or try to create an artificial shortage to earn extra profit. Strict action will be taken against anyone found doing so.
Authorities hope that bringing in this sugar will help control prices in the coming weeks and ease people’s concerns.
They have asked traders and shopkeepers to cooperate and follow fair pricing so that sugar remains within everyone’s reach. The government has said it will continue to take steps to keep essential items available at reasonable rates.
