Islamabad, Oct 6 (IANS) Sugar imported from India is not of poor quality, said a Pakistani minister, but he added that it will be tested before being sold in the country.
Minister for Labour and Manpower Syed Khurshid Shah told the National Assembly Tuesday that pre-shipment inspection of sugar being imported from India had been conducted and it will be again checked by the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority before being sent to the market.
While rejecting the impression that Indian sugar was substandard, Shah said press reports on such allegations were a campaign by the sugar mafia.
Daily Times quoted the minister as saying that the imported sugar would be inspected and certified and only then would it be sent to the market.
Shah said samples of the imported sugar had been sent for analysis. ‘If any adulteration is found, the responsible shall be taken to task.’
The minister said sugar prices had dipped following a decision to allow imports. It was now being sold at Rs.75 as against pre-import price of Rs.80 per kg. The price could further come down to Rs.72 per kg, he added.
He also said that there was no substance in the claim that Indian sugar was being packed in Brazilian bags.
‘There is nothing hidden about it. This sugar has been imported from India. It is clear and there is no reason to pack it in Brazilian and Thai bags.’
