**FIA Launches Probe into Sugar Price Hike Following PM’s Intervention**
**(Image: [Same image as in the original article])**
The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched an inquiry into the recent, sharp increase in sugar prices across Pakistan, particularly during the month of Ramadan. This action follows direct notice of the issue by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, ARY News reports.
The FIA’s Anti-Corruption Circle is actively pursuing the investigation and has requested assistance from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA). The FIA has sent a letter to the PTA seeking data on 11 individuals, including sugar mill administrators and businessmen.
Among those whose data has been requested are Aneeb Faraz, Muhammad Arshad, and Muhammad Anwar. The FIA is also looking into individuals suspected of illegal sugar trading.
The price escalation is occurring amidst an ongoing dispute between sugar mill owners and the government. Mill owners have reportedly refused to lower prices.
Sources indicate that the government and mill owners failed to agree on a fixed price, with millers rejecting a proposed rate of Rs140 per kg. The lack of agreement, coupled with potential shortages, suggests that sugar prices may climb even higher in the lead-up to Eidul Fitr.
Currently, retail prices for sugar range from Rs170 to Rs175 per kg. Despite government attempts to control the price, no substantial decrease has been seen.
It’s worth noting that the Pakistani government previously permitted sugar millers to export sugar, based on assurances that domestic prices would remain stable.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, on March 14, took notice of the rising prices and ordered a crackdown on sugar hoarding. This directive was issued during a high-level meeting convened to review sugar prices and supply nationwide.