NA panel orders sugar price probe

The National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce met Monday at Parliament House under the chairmanship of MNA Muhammad Jawed Hanif Khan. I

t adopted a sub-committee report on long-outstanding receivables of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) and was informed that Rs15 billion had been released via the Ministry of Commerce to aid TCP's recovery.

Addressing SRO 760's suspension and the Gems and Jewellery Association, the Committee appreciated the ministry's active efforts and noted assurances of swift resolution.

In view of rising sugar prices and the government's decision to import sugar, Hanif expressed concern over profiteering and consumer vulnerability. A sub-committee was formed to investigate and report within 15 days.

The Committee discussed Pakistan's National Tariff Policy and questioned the rationale for lower taxes on large cars and higher on small vehicles. It also supported liberalising imports of raw materials and machinery to aid industry.