Islamabad, June 07, 2020 (PPI-OT): Information Minister Senator Shibli Faraz says PTI government is committed to hold accountability of all those people who have put people, institutions and future of the country at stake. Giving a media briefing along with Special Assistant on Accountability Shahzad Akbar in Islamabad today, he said our first and foremost priority is to protect the interests of the people. He said Prime Minister established inquiry commission on sugar to ascertain those responsible for increase in the prices of the commodity. Shibli Faraz said Prime Minister was serious about this issue and forensic audit was held on time.
Speaking on the occasion, Barrister Shahzad Akbar said the report while covering the period of last five years points towards this unregulated sector that is infested with political elites. He said either it was subsidy, tax evasion or charging high prices for sugar, it exploited people. He said manipulation in sugar industry increased when political families became involved in this business. Shahzad Akbar said Prime Minister is clear that everyone will be held accountable, irrespective of political affiliation, wealth and influence.
He said after detailed meeting held at Banigala today, the recommendations of the report were approved by the Prime Minister. He said recommendations include punishment and recoveries, overhauling of regulatory framework and to rationalize the sugar prices based on actual cost of production.
Giving details of the recommendations, he said seven major actions have been recommended. He said the matter of 29 billion rupees subsidy is being sent to NAB for probe and take further action. Shahzad Akbar said the Prime Minister also decided to send a reference to NAB of the subsidies given in the country since 1985.
He said a political family received subsidy in billions of rupees by exporting sugar to Indian during the 1990s.Shahzad Akbar said matter relating to unnamed accounts and transactions, tax evasion and similar issues is being sent to FBR. The FBR has been directed to complete its proceeding in 90 days’ time for further action. He said matter of cartelization of sugar industry is being sent to Competitive Commission of Pakistan.
For more information, contact:
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
Government of Pakistan
4th Floor, Cabinet Block, Pak. Secretariat, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9103557
Email: info@moib.gov.pk
Website: http://www.moib.gov.pk