Pakistan: Pakistan’s sugar sector is embroiled in a tax evasion scandal, with powerful politicians, including members of the ruling Sharif family, owning sugar mills ¹. Despite implementing a monitoring system that boosted tax collections by 54%, the sugar cartel continues to hike prices, leaving the public to suffer.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a crackdown on tax evaders and hoarders, directing authorities to monitor sugar mills with cameras to curb hoarding and ensure tax recovery ². However, the effectiveness of these measures remains to be seen, as the sugar cartel’s influence runs deep.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that Pakistan’s sugar industry is dominated by powerful politicians, creating a conflict of interest. This has led to widespread criticism, with many accusing the government of failing to address the issue effectively.
In a surprising move, PM Shehbaz Sharif has suggested importing raw sugar from abroad to address the shortage. However, this solution has been met with skepticism, with many arguing that it fails to address the root causes of the problem.
Comments are closed.