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Miftah Slams Govt Over Sugar Exports, Rising Prices & Costly Electricity
Miftah criticizes the govt for allowing sugar exports, causing prices to soar from Rs115 to Rs175/kg! Also questions why Pakistan’s electricity rates are higher than India, Bangladesh & Kenya.
ND
by News Desk
2025-03-20
Miftah Slams Govt Over Sugar Exports, Rising Prices & Costly Electricity

Karachi: Former finance minister Miftah Ismail has strongly criticized the government for permitting sugar exports, blaming the decision for skyrocketing prices and burdening consumers with higher electricity bills.

Sugar Crisis: Profits for Mill Owners, Burden for Consumers

Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Miftah pointed out that six months ago, the government allowed the export of 5 to 6 million tonnes of sugar, allegedly benefiting sugar mill owners in Sindh and Punjab.

“When Imran Khan exported sugar, PML-N leaders called it a ‘theft’ influenced by powerful mill owners. Now I ask Shehbaz Sharif, who influenced your decision to export sugar?” he questioned.

He reminded the government of its promise to keep sugar prices below Rs140/kg, yet prices surged from Rs115 to Rs175/kg after exports.

Meanwhile, the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has also issued warnings to sugar mills for failing to sell sugar at the government’s set price of Rs130/kg, while market rates have soared beyond Rs180/kg.

Electricity Prices: More Expensive Than Neighboring Countries

Miftah also criticized Pakistan’s electricity policies, stating that electricity costs in Pakistan are higher than in Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia, South Africa, and Kenya.

“What is so special about your electricity that it is being sold at such a high rate? What is so special about your gas that people are paying excessive prices?” he asked.

He blamed policy failures, U-turns, and greed for the crisis, warning that Pakistan’s high energy costs discourage investment and push industries toward neighboring countries.

Economic Impact & Future Outlook

With sugar consumption expected to reach 6.7 million tonnes in 2024-25, while production surpasses 6.84 million tonnes, experts fear that exports and market manipulation may continue to inflate domestic prices.

Meanwhile, businesses and households continue to struggle with rising power tariffs, leading to increased pressure on the government to address economic instability.

Suggested Hashtags:

# # #PakistanEconomy ##Inflation
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