Pakistan to import 500,000 tons of refined sugar after ECC approval

June 20, 2025 (MLN): An in-principle approval has been granted for the import of 500,000 metric tons of refined sugar during a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad today.

During the session, the Ministry of National Food Security was directed to have the refined sugar import processed through the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC).

Additionally, it was decided to submit a policy for the import of 250,000 metric tons of raw sugar to the Cabinet for approval, as per the press release issued.

The meeting was convened to review the pricing and supply of essential food items, particularly sugar.

Emphasizing the need for affordability, Dar reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the availability of essential commodities at reasonable prices.

He stressed that both consumer and producer interests must be safeguarded.

Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, also emphasized the government’s resolve to curb unjustified increases in sugar prices and to maintain steady nationwide availability.

He made it clear that any unreasonable surge in sugar prices would not be tolerated and called for greater transparency across the entire sugar supply chain, from production to distribution, urging the industry to align its practices with national interests.

Meanwhile, the Sugar Dealers Association assured the minister of their full cooperation with government policies.

They pledged to maintain an uninterrupted supply and to ensure fair pricing in the market.

On the regulatory front, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has launched enforcement action against seven sugar mills over alleged tax evasion and non-compliance with the Track and Trace System (TTS).

FBR Chairman Rashid Langrial, while briefing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Finance, revealed that raids on multiple mills had uncovered concealed operations and missing surveillance systems.

He added that unauthorized sugar dispatches were also discovered, further intensifying scrutiny on a sector long marred by governance concerns.