Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has emphasized that ensuring the availability of essential items at affordable prices remains the government’s foremost priority. During a meeting focused on the supply and pricing of sugar held on Sunday, Sharif reiterated the administration’s commitment to tackling the issue.

According to a statement by Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s recent stringent actions against sugar smuggling, which have yielded positive outcomes. He instructed relevant authorities to implement effective measures to control sugar prices and to take decisive action against those involved in hoarding.

Sharif further directed the development of a comprehensive strategy aimed at ensuring the availability of essential commodities at reasonable prices. He urged both federal and provincial governments to collaborate in their efforts to provide essential items to the public at reduced rates.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister stressed that negligence in controlling the prices of essential items would not be tolerated, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. Officials briefed the gathering on the current state of sugar production and assured that sufficient stock levels exist in the country. Additionally, fair price shops have been set up at the provincial level to offer sugar at lower rates, with measures in place to combat smuggling.

The meeting also focused on addressing illegal hoarding of sugar, with an emphasis on proactive engagement at the district administration level. High-ranking officials, including Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar, and various federal ministers, participated in the meeting alongside provincial chief secretaries, who joined via video link.