Daily Times

Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif on Sunday slammed the government over delaying inquiry commission’s forensic report on sugar and wheat crisis.

In a statement, the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz President termed the delaying tactics as conspiracy, adding that the government cannot conceal the facts for long.

Sharif said “That the head of the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) and other officials involved in giving subsidy are responsible for the sudden hikes in the prices of the food items”.

Earlier today, it emerged that the inquiry commission, probing the sugar crisis, had sought three more weeks for compiling report on sugar crisis.

In a tweet, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountability and Interior Shahzad Akbar said that the commission had asked for an extension and the federal cabinet would consider their request on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Imran Khan acknowledged that the recent hike in prices of essential commodities and their shortage was due to his government’s negligence.

Addressing the distribution ceremony for Sehat Sahulat Cards in Governor House Lahore, the prime minister said that imports had become costlier after the rupee fell in value, which he attributed to soaring prices of “ghee and cooking oil”.

“On the other hand, the hike in the prices of essentials was due to the government’s negligence, and a proper investigation is being carried out in this regard,” Khan said.

Those who have benefited off the backs of people in need will be penalised, he vowed, adding that the government is trying to bring a system in place to anticipate such a situation.