Surplus sugar exports cleared with consumers safeguards: Dar

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has cleared the way for surplus sugar exports, subject to strict safeguards to protect domestic consumers.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister (DPM/FM) Mohammad Ishaq Dar has also directed the authorities concerned to maintain strategic reserves, ensure market stability and prevent any increase in retail prices.

The DPM/FM chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on the Export of Surplus Sugar on Wednesday. The meeting evaluated ongoing measures to streamline the export of surplus sugar alongside finalising the administrative, technical and procedural frameworks. Current stock levels and domestic consumption requirements were thoroughly assessed to ensure that sugar exports will not impact domestic price stability.

The DPM/FM emphasised that while exporting surplus commodities is essential to strengthen the agricultural economy and earn valuable foreign exchange, safeguarding domestic consumers remains the primary priority for the Government.

He directed the relevant authorities to maintain strategic reserves to fulfill national demand while ensuring that there was no upward pressure on retail prices. The DPM/FM thanked all committee members for their valuable contributions and commended their collective effort in facilitating the smooth export of surplus sugar.

The meeting was attended by the Ministers for National Food Security and Research and Economic Affairs; Minister of State for Finance; Adviser to the PM on Industries and Production; SAPM Tariq Bajwa; Secretaries of Finance, Commerce, Law and Justice, National Food Security and Research; alongside senior officials from concerned ministries and departments.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026