Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research, Rana Tanveer Hussain, has categorically rejected the narrative of sugar shortage in the country, terming it a perception-driven panic rather than a reality. He said that there is no issue of supply or shortage; rather, it is a manipulated hike created by hoarders and speculators to distort market sentiment. The Minister stated that Pakistan has sufficient stock to meet domestic needs, and the situation is fully under control.
Highlighting the government's commitment to farmers, the Minister noted that sugarcane growers received the highest ever rates in Pakistan's history—ranging between Rs. 450 to Rs. 740 per 40 kg. This measure brought significant relief to the agricultural community and marked a strong pro-farmer initiative by the present government.
Responding to concerns about the logic behind sugar export and import decisions, the Minister clarified that Pakistan exported 750,000 metric tons of surplus sugar and earned 402 million US dollars. This export decision was not abrupt but was taken after thorough verification of data from the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and other relevant departments. He underscored that sugar exports are a historical practice spanning decades and are not unprecedented. At the time of export permission, the government ensured a strategic reserve of 500,000 metric tons as buffer stock to avoid any disruption in the domestic supply chain. As a result of this planned export, the sugar price in the domestic market actually declined—from Rs. 138 to Rs. 119 per kg—debunking the myth that export caused price hikes.
Regarding recent reports about sugar imports, the Minister clarified that although permission has been granted for the import of 500,000 metric tons, the government intends to import only up to 300,000 metric tons, at a maximum cost of 150 million US dollars. This decision was made solely to stabilize the market and avoid unnecessary speculation. There is currently no real shortage in the country. As of now, Pakistan has a stock of 5.8 million metric tons from this year’s production, and with the buffer stock, the total availability stands at 6.3 million metric tons. This is sufficient to meet the annual domestic consumption requirement, which is also around 6.3 million metric tons.
The Minister acknowledged that crop yields, including sugarcane and maize, declined this year due to severe heat waves and climate challenges. Although initial projections for sugar production stood at 7 million metric tons, the final reserves reached 5.8 million metric tons by the end of April 2025. Despite the shortfall, the current stock combined with the buffer reserve is enough to meet the national requirement, and any sense of panic is artificially created by vested interests.
In a broader context, Rana Tanveer Hussain also spoke about the government’s macroeconomic achievements. He proudly shared that Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have improved significantly, rising from 2–3 billion dollars to nearly 20 billion dollars. The policy rate has been reduced from 22 percent to 11 percent, and inflation has also come down. He termed the recent trade deal with the United States as a landmark success and stated that the country’s diplomatic initiatives have borne fruit, isolating India internationally and regaining the support of nations like Turkey, Malaysia, and China, which had distanced themselves during the previous government’s tenure.
The Minister concluded by emphasizing the government’s long-term strategy to deregulate the sugar sector, which will allow all investors to set up sugar mills and ultimately dismantle the influence of monopolistic cartels.
