ISLAMABAD, Jul 24 (APP): Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain on Thursday said the government would ensure a smooth supply chain of sugar across the country, showing no leniency towards those involved in black marketing and profiteering of the commodity.
“Sugar profiteers will be dealt with an iron hand and brought to justice by taking stern action and ensuring exemplary punishments through the due course of law,” he said while speaking to APP.
The minister said necessary directives had already been issued to all provincial chief secretaries and deputy commissioners to ensure the availability of sugar at controlled prices.
Under the guidelines, he said, district administrations were required to enforce the ex-mill rate of sugar at Rs161 per kilogram and the retail rate at Rs173 per kilogram.
Tanveer assured that a sufficient supply of sugar was being maintained, adding that no leniency would be shown to those exploiting the poor for profit, regardless of political affiliation.
He warned that anyone acting against the public interest would face consequences in accordance with the law.
The minister vowed that the government would protect the rights of the public at all costs and would not allow any mafia to operate or cause financial harm to any segment of society through hoarding and profiteering.
He lamented that hoarding and profiteering had become a major challenge in society but expressed confidence in the current leadership, describing it as capable of addressing all such challenges.
Tanveer said all available resources and expertise were being utilized to place the national economy on a sustainable growth trajectory.
He said the day was not far when Pakistan would emerge as one of the fastest-developing economies in the world, as all necessary measures were being taken to achieve the set goals of national progress and prosperity.