Cabinet directs TCP to import 0.5mn ton sugar

ISLAMABAD: Federal Information Minister Qamar Zaman Kaira said Wednesday that federal cabinet has directed the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) to import 500,000 ton sugar to overcome the ongoing shortage in the country. Addressing a joint press conference with Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin here, Kaira said cabinet was briefed about the current sugar situation in the country, on which the cabinet ordered immediate sugar import. He said 500,000-ton sugar would be available in the market before June this year. In addition, the cabinet approved 15 percent raise in salaries of Pakistan Army officers and 20 percent of Jawans. He said the cabinet would increase salaries of civil servants after receiving committee’s recommendations by March this year. Kaira further said a committee has been formed to review the salaries of Balochistan Police. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin said economy has stabilized but it is still under pressure from energy crisis and hike in prices of commodities. He pointed out that current account deficit has been improved due to the 24 percent increase in remittance.