Shehbaz Sharif Opposed Sugar Export But Faced Family Pressure: Journalist Mohammad Malick
LAHORE – Senior journalist Mohammad Malick has revealed that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was initially against exporting sugar, but eventually gave in due to intense pressure from his family.
Speaking on a private TV channel, Malick claimed that a powerful lobby influenced the decision, stating, “I have 200% confirmed information that the Prime Minister did not want to approve sugar export. He was under immense pressure.” Malick further disclosed that Shehbaz Sharif was summoned to Lahore for a family meeting where discussions reportedly went as far as suggesting he resign if he could not manage such decisions. “No one resigns over sugar,” Malick added, implying that the pressure forced the PM’s hand.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, private news outlet Dawn News reported that talks between the government and the Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) over the retail price of sugar ended inconclusively. Prices in the open market remain high despite negotiations.
عام عادمی مہنگی چینی خریدنے پر مجبور کیونکہ شہباز صاحب خاندان کے ہاتھوں مجبور ہو گئے تھے۔ واہ ۔مِل مالکوں نے اربوں بنا لئیے پر شہباز صاحب کا کوئی قصور نہیں ، بے چارے وہ تو خاندان کے ہاتھوں مجبور تھے۔ واہ ، واہ ۔ pic.twitter.com/OM6IQB7v4w
— Mustafa Nawaz Khokhar (@mustafa_nawazk) July 15, 2025
The PSMA and Federal Minister for National Food Security Rana Tanveer Hussain met on Tuesday to finalize sugar prices but failed to reach a clear agreement. Sources indicated a tentative understanding to cap retail prices around Rs 170 per kg, though the actual price for consumers has not yet been confirmed.
According to the government, the PSMA agreed to supply sugar at an ex-mill price of Rs 165 per kg. However, the retail price remains uncertain and significantly higher in the market, ranging from Rs 180 to Rs 200 per kg, with wholesale rates hovering around Rs 159.
The Ministry of National Food Security issued a statement confirming that discussions focused on enforcing the newly set ex-mill price and ensuring an uninterrupted supply of sugar in the market. It added that the impact of the price adjustment should begin reflecting in the retail market within two to three days.
Previously, during the 2023-24 crushing season, the government and sugar industry had agreed on an ex-mill price of Rs 140 per kg.
