Following the Federal Cabinet approval, the government has made the inquiry report of the Sugar Inquiry Commission public, which reveals that the major sugar mills groups had under-reported sales and committed fraud using different tactics.

Briefing newsmen after the special cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan in Islamabad, Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shibli Faraz said the present government is firmly committed to accountability and transparency in governance.

He said it was Prime Minister Imran Khan who ordered the inquiry as the common man was the main victim of the loot and plunder on account of the sugar and flour shortages.

He said the Prime Minister has also issued directives to the Cabinet Secretary to gather the details of the assets of unelected advisers and special assistants and make them public.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Accountability Shahzad Akbar said the commission found irregularities in the form of giving advance payments to farmers in the form of cash or commodity, which was akin to unregulated banking and they earned upto 35 per cent profit on the loaned amount.

Shahzad Akbar said a subsidy of 29 billion rupees was given to the sugar industry in the last five years.

NNR/Kiani/Asmaa