QUETTA: Balochistan Chief Minister Mir Sarfaraz Bugti has directed authorities to implement stricter measures to prevent the illegal shipment of sugar outside the province, ensuring its stable supply and availability for local consumers.
The directive was issued during a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Minister on Wednesday to review the supply and demand dynamics of sugar in Balochistan. The meeting was attended by key officials, including Chief Secretary Shakeel Qadir Khan, Secretary Industries Muhammad Khalid Sarpara, and Director General Industries Zulfiqar Shah.
The forum received a comprehensive briefing from relevant authorities on the current availability of sugar and the quantity required to meet the province’s domestic needs. Officials informed the meeting that the necessary supply of sugar is being consistently channeled to Balochistan through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) and a network of designated sugar dealers.
While acknowledging the existing supply mechanism, CM Bugti expressed concerns over the potential smuggling of the commodity to other regions, which could create artificial shortages and price hikes within Balochistan. He emphasized the need to make the anti-smuggling framework “more effective” to safeguard local interests.
To ensure a seamless supply, the Chief Minister issued clear instructions to the concerned departments. He tasked them with conducting a precise assessment of the current demand and to finalize a robust, timely plan of action to meet it without delay. The move is aimed at preventing any market manipulation and ensuring that sugar remains readily available to the public at stable prices throughout the province.
Meanwhile the Balochistan government announced a major expansion of its Cancer and Deadly Diseases Treatment Plan, making the province the first in Pakistan to offer comprehensive, free treatment for a wide range of life-threatening illnesses, including multiple major cancers.
The initiative is part of a public-private partnership between the provincial government, led by Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti, and global pharmaceutical leader Roche Pharma.
