Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR), the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and the Intelligence Bureau (IB) to take joint action against tax evasion on sugar sales, undocumented sale, and price manipulation by sugar mills and dealers.
In a decisive move to regulate the sugar industry, the PM said the sugarcane crushing season is coming soon and fair pricing and prevention of artificial shortages must be ensured.
PM Shehbaz issued a notification emphasizing the need for 100% collection of General Sales Tax (GST) from sugar mills and dealers. He warned that strict legal action would be taken against those involved in tax evasion, hoarding, or other illegal practices. He ordered the installation of surveillance cameras in sugar mills to monitor production and storage activities. This, he noted, would also curb hoarding and ensure balanced sugar prices.
“The payment of sales tax must be ensured, and any increase in sugar prices will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Shehbaz stated. He also directed strict action against the so-called "sugar price manipulation mafia" engaged in hoarding and price manipulation.
He also directed to take similar measures for other industries prone to tax evasion and hoarding, including steel, cigarettes, cement, and beverages.
