Sugar rush

This letter refers to the news report ‘Pakistan to import 0.5m tonnes of sugar after exporting 0.76m tonnes of it in FY25’ (July 9, 2025). This apparent contradiction raises serious questions about the coherence and foresight of the country’s policymaking in the agricultural and commodities sectors. On the surface, it appears to be a clear policy miscalculation. However, the reality may be more complex and rooted in deeper structural issues. One possible explanation lies in the recurring problem of artificial shortages and hoarding. Historically, Pakistan’s sugar industry has been plagued by market manipulation, where influential stakeholders create artificial scarcity to drive up prices and justify government subsidies or import decisions.

This cycle not only disrupts market stability but also burdens the national exchequer and undermines consumer trust. Rather than reactive measures, Pakistan must invest in better forecasting tools, enforce anti-hoarding regulations and align export policies with domestic consumption trends.

Anas A Khan

Edmonton

Canada