QUETTA: The Balochistan Registered Traders Association has raised a grave alarm over the province’s sugar supply, accusing authorities of forcing expensive imported sugar onto the market despite the availability of cheaper local produce.
In a strong statement, Association President Rahim Agha and other senior officials alleged that the federal government, through a “favorite person,” has imported Al-Khaleej brand sugar from Dubai costing Rs. 9,000 per bag. Meanwhile, Pakistani sugar is available for Rs. 7,000 per bag. However, dealers in Balochistan are allegedly being blocked from loading and transporting the cheaper local sugar.
“This is sheer injustice, the burden of which is being put on the poor public,” the traders stated. They blamed the “silence and alleged collusion” of the provincial Industries and Trade Department and higher officials for the crisis, which they say is causing severe financial pressure on common citizens.
The Association has issued a direct appeal to the Army Chief and the Prime Minister to immediately lift the restrictions on Pakistani sugar. Furthermore, they have warned the Industries Department and district administration of a “strong protest movement across the province” if attempts are made to seize existing stocks of local sugar from shops.
“This strange logic, favoring one person at the expense of the entire trading community and public of Balochistan, is unacceptable,” the traders concluded, demanding market access to the affordable local commodity.
Meanwhile a recent province-wide polio vaccination campaign in Balochistan achieved 99% of its target, health officials report persistent resistance, with approximately 3,000 parents refusing the vital drops for their children.
The seven-day drive, which ran from December 15 to 21, saw thousands of health workers fan out across the province in an effort to protect children from the debilitating disease. Officials from the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) lauded the high coverage rate as a significant success.
However, the campaign also highlighted an ongoing challenge. “Despite this achievement, incidents of refusal were reported in different districts,” an EOC official confirmed.
