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Trade union president holds press conference on sugar crisis


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KARACHI: The President of the Central Organization of Trade Unions of Pakistan, Muhammad Kashif Chaudhry, held a press conference in Karachi on Tuesday, addressing the pressing issue of skyrocketing sugar prices that have gripped the nation.

Chaudhry emphasized that the blame for the alarming escalation of the sugar prices should not fall on wholesalers or retailers but on the influential cartels manipulating the prices. He argued, “The 800 million traders are not responsible for the surge in sugar prices; it’s the workings of a mafia.”

He further criticized the government’s approach, deeming raids on grocery stores as mere formalities and a smokescreen to divert public attention. Chaudhry asserted that it was high time for the government to take concrete and meaningful actions to resolve the crisis.

He noted that sugar prices had soared to Rs 230 per kilogram in Quetta, Rs 220 per kilogram in Peshawar, and ranged from Rs 180 to Rs 200 per kilogram in various cities across Punjab. He attributed one of the root causes of this surge to an ill-advised decision to export 250,000 metric tons of sugar.

While assigning responsibility, Chaudhry pointed fingers at ministers from both the ruling coalition parties, Pakistan Muslim League-N and Pakistan People’s Party, insisting that the previous government could not evade accountability by deflecting blame. He also recounted the attempts to address the sugar crisis during Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf’s tenure, emphasizing their ineffectiveness.

Probe launched into soaring sugar prices

He mentioned smuggling and speculation as compounding factors contributing to the soaring sugar prices. Chaudhry expressed concerns over the financial impact on the nation, stating, “Due to the surge in sugar prices, the public has been burdened with billions of rupees.” He urged the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to conduct thorough investigations to unmask and hold those responsible for the crisis accountable.

Chaudhry called for transparency in sharing the findings of past inquiry committees related to the sugar crisis and stressed the importance of imposing penalties on those found guilty to prevent recurring crises.

In addition, Chaudhry underscored the need for enhanced coordination between federal and provincial governments and proposed the implementation of distinct export prices and taxes to curb sugar smuggling across neighbouring countries.

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