ISLAMABAD, July 21 -- The government faced strong criticism in the Senate on Monday for failing to control the rising price of sugar. Lawmakers accused authorities of supporting market mafias and ignoring consumer rights. The session was chaired by Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gillani.

Senator Mohsin Aziz said the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) had failed to protect consumers and check unfair market practices. He stressed that no serious steps were being taken to ensure price control or regulate the market. Senator Ali Zafar accused the government and the sugar mafia of working together to "bleed the people dry."

Zafar demanded a parliamentary committee to investigate the sugar mafia and its alleged collusion with officials. Se...