Minister for Commerce Naveed Qamar informed the National Assembly on Wednesday that there was no shortage of sugar in the country
Naveed Qamar said they exported 170 million metric tons of sugar to Afghanistan, Central Asian States, and other countries.
“Despite export of 170 million metric tons of sugar, there is no shortage in the country,” said the minister while speaking on the floor of the house on Wednesday.
He also claimed that the country had capacity for further sugar exports.
Minister of State for Finance Aisha Ghaus Pasha expressed regret that the previous government did not fulfill the commitments and understanding reached with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). However, she remained confident that a staff-level agreement would be achieved with the international lender.
The Minister of State highlighted that Pakistan had already met the prior actions, and now the IMF wants the country to fulfill the external funding requirements before releasing the next tranche. She also informed the House that China had recently rolled over a loan, and there was progress in securing support from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Regarding the implementation of a minimum wage of 25,000 rupees, the Chair requested the Standing Committee on Finance to seek reports from all departments. The National Assembly passed the Kalam Bibi International Women Institute, Bannu bill, 2023, and the National Accountability Amendment Bill 2023 was laid before the House by Minister of State for Law Shahadat Awan.
