Criticises deregulation policy; says a completely free market does not exist anywhereA parliamentary panel has expressed serious concern over low sugarcane prices despite high profits earned by sugar mills. The National Assembly Standing Committee on National Food Security met on Wednesday to review agricultural output. Officials informed the committee that 11 million tons of sugarcane had been crushed so far, producing 922,000 tons of sugar, while 138,000 tons of sugar stock from last year remained available. The chairman criticized the deregulation policy for wheat and sugarcane, warning that a completely free market does not exist anywhere in the world. The committee decided to consult the Minister for National Food Security to devise a workable solution for sugarcane pricing while complying with IMF conditions and protecting farmers.

Source: The Express Tribune December 17, 2025 23:31 UTC