ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar on Wednesday said that prime minister Imran Khan had approved registration of criminal cases against those involved in sugar scandal.

While addressing a press conference, PM's aide said that the PM had approved recommendations tabled by the Sugar Inquiry Commission and cases would be filed under criminal law over sugar scandal.

He said the investigations into sugar crisis had revealed a subsidy worth Rs29 billion awarded in the last five years. He added that the forensic inquiry had proved that farmers were paid less against the sugarcane and the subsidies were given in violations of the regulations.

He detailed that the federal government has prepared an action plan in light of the recommendations tabled by the inquiry commission as the authorities will now begin efforts for the recovery after the massive financial irregularities.

The special assistant said the anti-corruption watchdog will analyse the aspects of subsidies which went against laws. He added that the present government has also presented itself for the accountability of Rs2.4 billion worth subsidy on sugar.

Akbar revealed that few sugar mills had illegally installed new crushing plants without acquiring its licences. The inquiry commission completed its work and nominated accused persons in the sugar scandal.

While commenting over the case filed in the high court by sugar mill owners, Akbar said that every citizen has the right to approach the court.

He added that the tenure of the present government was unlike the past governments'.

He also revealed that PM Imran Khan had been given threats after the formation of the sugar inquiry commission and it would be brought forward before the court by the federal government.

"A committee will work under the supervision of Hammad Azhar in order to finalise sugar prices. The government will decrease the sugar prices in the markets," said Akbar.