the provided text discusses a meeting of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Pakistan, where concerns were raised about the sugar industry. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Key Issues and Criticisms:
Lack of Transparency in Ownership: The PAC strongly criticized the sugar industry for its lack of transparency regarding ownership of sugar mills.They demanded complete records and refused further briefings without this disclosure.
Massive Profiteering and Governance Failures: Members of the PAC accused the industry of “daylight robbery” and massive profiteering. They cited figures suggesting billions of rupees had gone into the pockets of a few individuals.
Allegations of Protection: some lawmakers accused the President and Prime Minister of allegedly protecting the profiteers.
Concentration of Ownership: The PAC questioned why only a limited number of families (around 42) were profiting from the industry and why others were not allowed to set up sugar mills, indicating a lack of competition.
High Local Sugar Prices: A comparison was made with India,where sugar was reportedly available at a considerably lower price (equivalent of Rs143/kg) than in Pakistan.
Conflicting Details on Sugar Imports: The PAC questioned the rationale behind importing sugar when provinces claimed to have ample stock.
Misappropriation of Funds (Press Information Department): Separately, the PAC scrutinized a supplementary grant for the Press Information Department, finding that a important portion of the funds allocated for a flood awareness campaign was diverted elsewhere. This matter was referred to a subcommittee.
Key Figures Mentioned:
MNA Khawaja Sheraz Mehmood: Criticized profiteering and poor governance.
MNA Riaz Fatyana: Claimed billions of rupees went into a few pockets.
Malik Amir Dogar: Named president Asif Ali Zardari, Jahangir Tareen, and the Sharif family as major sugar mill stakeholders.
Shazia Marri, Afnanullah Khan, Bilal Mandokhail: Lawmakers who engaged in fiery arguments with Malik Amir dogar.
PAC Chairman Junaid Akbar Khan: Highlighted the concentration of ownership and questioned the lack of competition. Food Secretary: Responded to questions about tax reductions and import duties.
Government’s Stance/Actions:
Sugar Advisory Board (SAB): Criticized for failing to regulate the industry.
Federal Board of Revenue (FBR): Obtained a list of mills’ directors but was pressed for full ownership transparency.
Tax Reductions: The food secretary stated that reductions in sales and other taxes were intended to make sugar more affordable.
* Import Approval: The government approved the import of 300,000 tons of sugar to stabilize supply.
Overall Sentiment:
The PAC expressed strong dissatisfaction with the sugar industry’s practices and the government’s oversight. They were determined to pursue the issue until full transparency was achieved. The article highlights concerns about economic inequality, corruption, and a lack of accountability within a crucial sector.
