Sugar Sector Set for Major Overhaul Under New Policy
The federal government has approved a move to fully deregulate the sugar sector after reviewing recommendations prepared by a specialised ministerial committee.
Awais Leghari-led committee finalised the proposed framework, which will be presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for approval within two days.
Food Security Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain stated that the plan aims to eliminate import and export quotas and shift towards complete sector deregulation.
He added that future sugar prices will be determined through market dynamics, allowing import and export forces to drive national pricing mechanisms.
The minister said several sugar mills have already initiated crushing operations, with thirty-six units having switched on their boilers recently.
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He confirmed that existing stocks are adequate even if crushing activities continue into the first week of December due to operational delays.
Rana Tanveer clarified that the FBR portal for selling imported sugar remains open and continues facilitating transactions for relevant traders nationwide.
As per officials, half of the imported sugar has already been purchased, while the remaining stock is progressing through normal market channels.
They emphasised that imported sugar is being treated like domestic production, allowing market forces to decide import or export feasibility independently.
