Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Food Security, Rana Tanveer Hussain, reassured the public on Thursday that there is no sugar crisis in the country. Addressing concerns over supply shortages and rising prices, the minister confirmed that Pakistan has sufficient sugar stock, and prices are being kept stable. Despite reports of shortages in some cities, the government is closely monitoring the market and has taken steps to address any issues.
In a press conference held in Islamabad on July 31, 2025, Minister Rana Tanveer Hussain emphasized that there are no grounds for a sugar crisis in Pakistan. He dismissed rumors surrounding the import and export of sugar, stating that the country’s sugar stock is adequate, and the price remains stable.
Minister Hussain explained that the sugar trade, including both imports and exports, is a routine activity and not a new development. He clarified that the Sugar Advisory Board, which includes federal ministers, provincial representatives, and key stakeholders, approves all decisions related to sugar trade. “Pakistan has been involved in the import and export of sugar for over a decade,” he noted.
Pakistan’s sugar production for the current year reached 5.8 million metric tonnes, which fell short of the targeted 7 million tonnes. Despite the lower-than-expected production, the minister assured that the country still had enough supply to meet domestic demand. He further highlighted that last year, Pakistan had a surplus of 1.3 million metric tonnes, with 800,000 metric tonnes in opening stock.
Tanveer reassured sugarcane growers that the government’s decision to import sugar would not negatively impact them. He confirmed that measures are in place to protect local growers while ensuring market stability.
In response to concerns over rising prices, particularly in cities like Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta, where sugar is selling for up to Rs190 per kilogram, the minister emphasized that the government has set a fixed price for sugar, with strict enforcement to maintain affordability for the public. Stern action is being taken against hoarders attempting to create an artificial shortage in the market.
