Pakistan, June 20 -- In a surprising U-turn, the government has decided to import 750,000 metric tonnes of sugar, just months after allowing exports of nearly the same quantity. This contradictory move has sparked public criticism as sugar prices in the local market have surged to Rs190 per kilogram.

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar announced that 500,000 metric tonnes of refined sugar have already been approved in principle, while a policy for importing 250,000 metric tonnes of raw sugar will be sent to the cabinet. Critics say this policy reversal has hurt consumers and favoured millers, especially after earlier exports earned Rs114 billion, pushing prices up by Rs50 per kilogram.

According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, sugar e...