PPP, PML-N exchange barbs over sugar crisis, interim govt vows to resolve it soon

Sugar prices hit a record high in several parts of Pakistan as it is being sold between Rs 180 to Rs 230 per kg in different parts of the country. What are the reasons behind the sudden increase in sugar prices? The two mainstream political parties including Pakistan Muslim League and Pakistan Peoples Party have their own opinion. The caretaker government has its point of view regarding unstoppable prices of sugar. Over the past four months, the cost of sugar has increased by more than 80%. This situation has added to the sufferings of people who are already reeling from the worst political, financial, and human rights crisis of Pakistan's history.   

Pakistan Muslim League’s stance 

Talking to 24NewsHD TV channel exclusively, PML-N central leader Atta Ullah Tarar held the responsible PPP for the present crisis. He alleged that PPP had an unusual interest in the matter of exporting sugar.

He said that when he was a minister in Punjab, the PCB chairman and a close ally of former president Asif Ali Zardari, Chaudhry Zaka Ashraf used to insist that the export of sugar be allowed.

“Export is not a bad thing,” Atta Tarar said adding that the reason for this crisis is mismanagement.

Hoarding in mills, smuggling, and other causes of sugar shortage, he added.

Atta Tarar clarified that the matter of sugar export was a collective decision of the cabinet. 

“We have to stop the rhetoric on this matter now, Atta Tarar hinted.

Pakistan People's Party's position

PPP central leader Faisal Karim Kundi criticized PML-N leader Ahsan Iqbal’s statement and said that he is a senior leader, does he want to create a rift between the two parties by making such irresponsible statements?

He said that the approval for sugar export was given by the ECC and then Cabinet.

Faisal Karim Kundi continued that they were part of the cabinet, they were all responsible for the good and the bad.

Faisal Karim Kundi, former special assistant to the Prime Minister questioned, “Tomorrow, if we say that former Finance Minister Ishaq Dar was responsible for the economy and former Minister Khurram Dastgir was responsible for inflated electricity bills, how will it feel?

PPP's next prime ministerial candidate will be Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Faisal Karim Kundi said, adding that after the election we will tell our allies including PML-N that earlier you had more numbers, and now we have.

Caretaker government’s point of view and actions

Interim information Murtaza Solangi said that the government has taken notice of the increase in sugar prices. Nobody would be allowed to resort to profiteering by increasing prices of essential items particularly sugar, he added.

The government is taking measures to stop smuggling and hoarding of the sugar, he said, adding strict action would be taken together with the provincial governments and relevant departments against those who are creating an artificial shortage of sugar in the country by smuggling the commodity.

 He claimed that the results of the action against the sugar mafia would be revealed in a few days, adding that two major parties are making rhetoric on the issue of sugar export.

 Murtaza Solangi continued that they want to hold elections together with these parties and will not say anything that is gone in favor or against anyone.

 

Reporter: Awais Kiyani