PM orders strict action against sugar hoarders, profiteers

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif Friday directed strict action against hoarders of sugar and the elements responsible for its artificial shortage, causing a price increase. Chairing a review meeting on supply and demand of sugar and its provision to the common man on fixed prices, the prime minister said a report should be presented after conducting a crackdown on unfair profiteers and hoarders.

He ordered that the supply and demand of sugar should be strictly monitored. He instructed the officials concerned to intensify contact with the sugar mills to monitor the supply and demand of the commodity.

He said sugar was available in the country in sufficient quantity.

Those who were creating a situation of artificial sugar crisis should be dealt with strictly according to law, he said, adding, in the blessed month of Ramazan ul Mubarak, the mafia would not be allowed in any way to exploit the common man.

He directed the chief secretaries of the four provinces to ensure the supply of sugar to people at fixed rates.

Federal ministers Azam Nazeer Tarar, Rana Tanvir Hussain, Ahad Khan Cheema, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Special Assistant to PM Haroon Akhtar and high-level officials concerned attended the meeting, while the chief secretaries of the four provinces participated through video link. The prime minister was briefed in detail about the supply and demand of sugar and its current prices.

Meanwhile, talking to a delegation of prominent businessmen who called on him, the prime minister said the government would extend all kind of support to businessmen for bringing in investment and enhancing exports to achieve sustainable economic progress.

He directed that a comprehensive scheme should be introduced for long-term investment in Pakistan.

He said a committee had been formed regarding an export facilitation scheme to support exporters, adding, the committee would soon present its draft of recommendations for approval.

He noted that with the grace of Allah and due to the efforts of his economic team, after gaining stability, the economy was moving speedily on the path of progress.

“Everyone has to work together for the progress of the country’s economy,” he continued.

The prime minister said resolution of issues of the business community was a top priority, adding the government was taking all possible steps to facilitate the business community.

The business community was being facilitated after the digitalisation of Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and other reforms, he remarked.

The prime minister said clearance time of containers at ports had decreased substantially with the introduction of Faceless Custom Clearance System.

He said training of youth was being ensured to provide the best manpower for the industries.

“We are further integrating the system by bringing all the institutions of professional training under one umbrella,” he added.

Members of the delegation appreciated the efforts of the prime minister’s economic team.

They said the country led by the prime minister was moving towards progress after gaining economic stability.

The participants lauded the government for earning income through new revenue sources and enhancing the national treasury.

They appreciated the ‘Uraan Pakistan’ programme and the roadmap of economic progress initiated under it.

They said that the prime minister’s initiatives to provide professional skills to youth and for progress of agriculture and industry particularly sending of 1,000 students to China for advanced training were appreciable.

They were of the view that for the first time there was seriousness at the government level for resolution of problems of the business community.

The business leaders thanked the prime minister for including the business community in the consultation process especially during the budget formulation. They paid tribute to the prime minister for leading efforts to increase revenue and bring down inflation.

Federal ministers Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Tanvir Hussain, Ahad Khan Cheema, Muhammad Aurangzeb, Attaullah Tarar, Hanif Abbasi, Sardar Awais Khan Leghari, Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Ali Pervaiz Malik, Minister of State Bilal Azhar Kiyani, Special Assistant Haroon Akhtar, Coordinator to Prime Minister Rana Ihsaan Afzal and officials concerned attended the meeting.

The businessmen gave suggestions for the resolution of their problems.

The prime minister directed the relevant ministries and secretaries to hold consultations with the business leaders and present a policy strategy based on their recommendations.

Meanwhile, Ambassador of the European Union Dr Riina Kionka called on the prime minister here at the PM House.

The prime minister thanked her for expressing condolences on the recent terrorist attack on Jaffar Express train in Balochistan and conveyed Pakistan’s firm resolve to eliminate terrorism from its soil, said a PM Office news release.

He noted that Pakistan and the EU enjoyed cordial and friendly ties and expressed satisfaction at the positive momentum in these relations. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen its cooperative partnership with the EU, particularly through the continuation of the GSP Plus scheme, which had benefited both sides since its inception.

In addition to discussing various facets of Pakistan-EU ties, including human rights, the prime minister welcomed the convening of the first ever Pakistan-EU high level Business Forum in Islamabad to be held in May and assured the EU ambassador of Pakistan’s full support and facilitation in making this event successful.

Dr Kionka briefed Shehbaz about recent visits by EU delegations to Pakistan as well as the upcoming Pakistan-EU engagements.

Separately, Ambassador of Bosnia & Herzegovina Emin Cohodarevic paid a courtesy call on the prime minister at the PM House.

During the meeting, the prime minister highlighted the warm and brotherly relations between Pakistan and Bosnia & Herzegovina and fondly recalled the visits to that country by former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, a PMO news release said.

While reaffirming Pakistan’s continued support for Bosnian brothers and sisters, the prime minister emphasised that there was immense potential to elevate the existing friendly ties to a mutually beneficial economic partnership.

He recalled his most warm and productive meeting with Bosnia & Herzegovina Chairperson of Presidency Zeljka Cvijanovic in Dubai last month on the sidelines of the World Governments Summit.

Ambassador Cohodarevic conveyed the best wishes and warm regards of his country’s political leadership to the prime minister.

He reaffirmed Bosnia & Herzegovina’s strong desire to further enhance cooperation between the two countries and briefed the prime minister about the ongoing efforts, initiatives and proposals in that regard.

He also expressed condolences to the prime minister on behalf of the people and Government of Bosnia & Herzegovina on the Jafar Express terrorist attack.

Meanwhile, in his message on the International Day to Combat Islamophobia (15th of March), the prime minister urged the international community, human rights organisations and global leaders to raise awareness against the scourge of Islamophobia, as well as to prevent incidents of desecration of the Holy Quran, attacks against mosques, and other acts of religious intolerance against Muslims.

He reiterated the country’s stance on early appointment of a UN Special Envoy to Combat Islamophobia as an important milestone towards addressing this challenge in line with the decision of the United Nations General Assembly, a PMO news release said.

The prime minister underlined that the country joined the international community in commemorating 15th of March as the International Day to Combat Islamophobia. “Three years ago, the United Nations General Assembly adopted its landmark decision to mark this day amidst increasing prejudice, hatred, discrimination, and attacks against Muslim communities, as well as their sacred symbols and places of worship.

“This day not only serves as a stark reminder of the gravity of the challenges being faced by Muslims worldwide but also as a powerful call to action, reflecting the collective will of the international community to combat Islamophobia through concrete legislative and policy measures,” he added.

Pakistan, he said, was extremely proud to have led this important initiative at the United Nations and welcomed actions taken by some Member States to outlaw the desecration of the Holy Quran as well as to address the systemic marginalisation of Muslims.

“However, much more is urgently needed to reverse the alarming tide of Islamophobia and end the flagrant violations of fundamental human rights and religious freedoms,” he added.

The prime minister urged the global community to come forward to join forces at a time when religious intolerance was surging to reaffirm that no justification exists for blasphemy or the desecration of sacred symbols under the guise of freedom of expression. “For every Muslim, safeguarding the honor of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is not just a duty but a sacred trust, one that we uphold with absolute conviction. Respect for all faiths and their revered figures is essential for global peace and harmony,” he said.

He added that it was imperative that international forums recognise the profound hurt caused by such acts and work collectively to prevent them.

“Let this day serve as a catalyst for global unity and solidarity not only in speaking out and acting against the rising tide of Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred but also in promoting dialogue, harmony and mutual understanding across religions, faiths, cultures and civilisations. This is essential for overcoming divisions and building mutual respect across diverse communities. Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to spreading Islam’s true message—one of love, peace, and tolerance,” the prime minister said.

Meanwhile, the prime minister met football player Muhammad Riaz from Hangu and offered him financial support worth Rs2.5 million along with an employment opportunity.

The prime minister, taking notice of the financial difficulties faced by the national footballer, whose video of selling funnel cakes (Jalebi) recently went viral, invited him to the PM House.

Praising courage and determination of the football player, the prime minister said, “You are the country’s talented player, and we will not let your talent go to waste.”

He said Pakistani youth were a valuable asset to the country, and providing them with all types of facilities and resources for international competitiveness was the top priority of the government.

“Youth should actively participate in sports and other healthy activities,” he remarked.

He urged Muhammad Riaz to continue playing an active role in promoting football in Pakistan. The prime minister directed that Muhammad Riaz be given a job in his preferred federal department.

He also instructed that national players should be provided jobs in government institutions according to their abilities.

The prime minister emphasised the need to accelerate efforts for the promotion of sports in the country.

“A strategy should be formulated for the welfare of players representing Pakistan internationally and to provide them with sustainable employment opportunities,” he said.

Muhammad Riaz thanked the prime minister for the financial assistance and his efforts towards the welfare of the players and the promotion of sports.

On the occasion, the prime minister presented a cheque for Rs2.5 million to Muhammad Riaz.

Meanwhile, the prime minister extended his heartfelt greetings to the Hindu community in Pakistan as they celebrated the Holi festival.

“The vibrant energy that surrounds this festivity marks the arrival of spring, symbolising love and the triumph of good over evil,” the prime minister wrote on his X timeline.

He said that while celebrating new beginnings, renewal, and the strengthening of relationships, this occasion also highlighted the importance of diversity and the power of inclusion in building a stronger, more unified nation.

“May this festival of colors fill your lives with happiness, health success, and prosperity. Happy Holi!” he remarked.