SC to be moved on sugar price

By Ahmad Hassan

The federal government and the four provinces decided to jointly approach the court to explain the ‘ground realities’.—Photo by APP

ISLAMABAD: The federal government and the four provinces decided on Thursday to jointly approach the Supreme Court to explain the ‘ground realities’ about determination of the sugar price.

The decision was taken at a meeting of representatives of the federal and provincial governments, presided over by Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani.

The meeting was held after endorsement by the Supreme Court of a Lahore High Court directive of selling sugar at Rs40 per kg.

It was unanimously decided that the Supreme Court bench, headed by the chief justice, would be informed about the circumstances that forced the government to fix the price of sugar.

A similar meeting held last week had decided to form a committee led by Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin to prepare a report on the situation arising out of an unchecked increase in sugar price.

According to a handout, it was decided at Thursday’s meeting that difficulties in implementation of LHC’s decision would be highlighted.

It decided to take immediate remedial steps for ensuring an adequate, uninterrupted supply of sugar on the eve of Eidul Fitr.

The meeting was attended by Punjab Chief Minister Mian Mohammad Shahbaz Sharif, Sindh CM Syed Qaim Ali Shah and ministers and officials concerned of the federal and the four provincial governments. Link...