ISLAMABAD, August 11, 2025: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) informed the Federal Minister for Finance, Mr. Aurangzeb in a detailed briefing on the concerns that can affect competition in the sugar industry and the cause of the recent sugar shortages.
The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Finance Minister Mr. Khurram Shehzad, Chairman CCP Dr. Kabir Ahmed Sidhu, Registrar Mr. Shehzad Hussain, Legal Advisor Mr. Hafiz Naeem, Action Officer, Cartel & Trade Abuse Mr. Salman Zafar and other senior officials.
The CCP is drawing up specific recommendations to help the Sugar Sector Reform Committee, which Dr. Sidhu explained. He pointed to some causes of previous sugar crises, namely those in 2008-09, 2015-16 and 2019-20, and has mentioned some investigations and interventions that the Commission has taken against cartel conduct in the market.
The Finance Minister was also updated over the 2021 decision of the Competition Complaint Panel (CCP) against the sugar cartel which is under outlook of the Competition Appellate Tribunal and informed about the strategy of the Commission to have the case resolved in quick time.
Aurangzeb as a senator gave an assurance of absolute state coordination in accelerating the legal procedures and enhancing the operational potential of CCP. He pointed out that intense competition system is crucial to the cause of consumer rights and progression of clarity in the market and facilitation of economic developments.
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The discourse also included the current cases in court, regulatory measures to stabilise sugar supply and the need to strengthen the capacity of CCP to foster a fair competition, consumer protection, and open business environment.
The Finance Minister regarding sugar problems confirmed that the government was concerned about the competitive and stable market of sugar to Pakistan economic welfare.
