A major sugar scandal has come to light in Pakistan, with irregularities worth Rs300 billion revealed by the Auditor General of Pakistan. The findings were presented during a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) meeting chaired by MNA Junaid Akbar.
The audit report highlights how sugar prices were manipulated to earn massive profits. PAC member Riaz Fatyana said that the public lost Rs287 billion due to artificial sugar price hikes. He added that a Punjab official who tried to expose the truth was sidelined.
The PAC also noted that every Re1 increase in sugar price results in Rs44 billion in profit for sugar mill owners. This has sparked concerns about deep-rooted corruption within the sugar industry.
During the session, PTI leader Aamir Dogar named President Asif Ali Zardari as the country’s largest sugar mill owner. He also mentioned Jahangir Tareen and the Sharif family as major players in the sugar business. Dogar claimed that 50% of sugar mills are controlled by industrialists and the other half by elite families.
PAC members raised questions about why sugar was exported and later re-imported in the same year. They called this a strategy to control supply and raise prices. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Ministry of Industries were asked to explain this decision.
Officials claimed that sugar spoils within four months. However, PAC members were told earlier that sugar stock was available for nine months. This contradiction raised further doubts.
Committee members urged the government to fix sugar prices during the crushing season. They also demanded clear records of sugar mill ownership.
The sugar scandal has led to strong calls for accountability, transparency, and reforms in the sugar sector. The public and lawmakers now await further investigation into this multi-billion-rupee issue.
