Share this story!            

Sindh govt ordered to purchase 1,600MT sugar in a day

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court on Monday ordered the Sindh government to deposit the amount to purchase 1,600 metric tonnes of sugar in a day stored at sugar mills at Mirpurkhas and sell at weekly Bachat Bazaars in Karachi.

Silani Welfare Trust, a non-governmental organisation was directed to assist the government’s functionaries to ensure that sugar was made available to consumers at various points in Karachi on equitable basis at price not more than Rs 40 per kilogramme.

Justice Maqbool Baqir passed the order on lawsuit instituted by trader, Navid Abrar, regarding disposal of 3,972 tonnes of sugar stocked by M/s Najma Sugar Mills.

The secretary agriculture Sindh submitted delay in making payment and lifting sugar occurred mainly for reasons that though on last date of hearing he was informed that sugar was lying in the godown at Karachi. Later, it transpired sugar in question was not in Karachi, but stored in mills at Mirpurkhas. Secretary assured he shall deposit amount for purchase of 1,600MT sugar during course of a day and for balance payment shall be made within two days.

He further assured lifting of sugar shall commence within a day and brought to weekly Bachat Bazaars in Karachi held before Eidul Azha.

Rest of the stock shall be sold through Bachat Bazaars commencing soon after Eid.

The District Coordination Officer Karachi Javed Haneef present in the court also assured there shall be equitable distribution of sugar, not a grain shall be diverted to any other place and or to any party other than the Bachat Bazaars. It shall be sold to public at not more Rs 40 per kg and each individual shall be able to buy a pack of about 2kg.

Advocates Salim Thepdawala and Ch Rasheed submitted in order to assist Sindh government in their endeavour that there was no black-marketing of sugar and ensure government’s efforts in ensuring sugar does not fall in expletive hands, Silani Welfare Turst may be associated in the entire exercise.

The court’s order said, “The suggestion seems to be fair and reasonable. I would therefore order Silani Welfare Trust to assist the government’s functionaries in their endeavour to ensure sugar was made available to consumers at various points in Karachi on equitable basis at price not more than Rs 40 per kg. The secretary agriculture Sindh was directed to submit compliance report with relevant details/break ups after concluding exercise within the time prescribed above. The government shall also within two days from today notify public at large, through print as well as electronic media about the availability of sugar at Bachat Bazaars on various dates as may be viable. Adjourned to December 9, 2009 for submitting the compliance report.” ppi

Home | Karachi

Share this story!