Govt, opposition trade barbs over sugar crisis inquiry report: Imran vows action after getting forensic reports by month-end

ISLAMABAD: Following the release of inquiry reports into the recent sugar and wheat crises naming some political bigwigs from the ruling party and its allies as beneficiaries, Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday pledged action against those responsible for the price hike and shortages of the commodities after receiving detailed forensic reports of preliminary findings due later this month.

“I await the detailed forensic reports now by the high-powered commission, which will come out on 25 April, before taking action. InshaAllah, after these reports come out no powerful lobby will be able to profiteer at the expense of our public,” the Prime Minister said in a series of tweets.

He said it was unprecedented in the country’s history that preliminary reports into sudden price hike of those commodities were immediately released without alteration or tampering. Previously, he added, the political clout with vested interests lacked the moral courage to order and make such reports public.

Separately, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information Firdous Ashiq Awan said on Sunday Rs22 billion subsidy was granted by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) during its last four years.

The PM’s aide, at a press conference in Sialkot, said Shahbaz Sharif’s son Suleman Shahbaz had also been named in the report. “The report says Suleman was paid subsidy amounting to more than Rs1billion. Action will be taken against anyone whose name has been identified in the report,” she said.

Responding to Awan’s statement, Suleman said there was no truth to the figures quoted in the report. “These figures were planted by Imran Khan and his cronies,” he said.

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif on Sunday described the inquiry report as an “indictment” against the Prime Minister and Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar.

While Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb sought immediate action against those involved in the crises. She said the Prime Minister should not wait till April 25.