WNAM REPORT: The Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production, chaired by Senator Aon Abbas Buppi, convened today at the Parliament House. The meeting was attended by Senators Danesh Kumar, Husna Bano, Mir Dostain Khan Domki, Syed Masroor Ahsan, and Saifullah Sarwar Khan Nyazee, along with the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production.
During the meeting, Senator Aon Abbas Buppi and other committee members expressed serious concerns regarding the absence of the Minister and the Secretary of the Ministry of Industries and Production. Senator Aon Abbas stated that the ministry was previously directed to provide details of major sugar mill owners who hold a significant share in the country’s sugar production. However, the ministry failed to comply with this request.
Highlighting the challenges faced by farmers, Senator Aon Abbas Buppi stated, “Farmers are being devastated. They are not receiving fair rates for their sugarcane crops. February has already begun, yet standing crops remain unpurchased as sugar mills refuse to procure them. Farmers are not getting their rightful payments, and as a result, the price of sugar has once again surged to PKR 160 per kilogram.”
Additionally, the committee was scheduled to discuss the Ramzan packages, which were allocated to the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) instead of the Utility Stores Corporation. Senator Aon Abbas also sought an update on the status of 10,000 employees of the Utility Stores, a matter that was supposed to be addressed in the session.
In protest over the ministry’s non-compliance and absence of senior officials, the Committee Chairman, Senator Aon Abbas Buppi, and other members unanimously decided to refer the matter to the Chairman of the Senate for further action.
