Islamabad: As Pakistan grapples with a massive shortage of sugar, Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has decided to set a personal example by banning the preparation of sweet dishes in his official residence.
The decision to remove sweet dishes from the menu was conveyed to the Prime Minister`s House staff by Fauzia Gilani, the premier`s wife. She said she was perturbed by the sugar crisis and had been discussing it with her husband.
Officials at the Prime Minister`s House said the move would be implemented from today.
However, Gilani`s decision has not been taken kindly by his staff. A report in The News daily quoted the staff as saying that the ban would not help tide over the crisis.
Gilani responded by telling his staff that the move would have a "symbolic impact" and convey a message to the people that the difficulties of the common man are seriously felt at the Prime Minister`s House.
He reminded his staff that Pakistan`s average consumption of sugar is higher than that of China, Bangladesh, India and other countries of the region.
"It is alarming that we are eating 25 kg of sugar every year per person," Gilani was quoted as saying. Gilani urged his countrymen to cut down the intake of sugar as it is not good for their health.
"We must educate the people that we can lead a better and happier life by taking less sugar," he said. Over the past few weeks, Pakistan has been hit by surging sugar prices.
The Lahore High Court recently stepped in to regulate prices, but traders across the Punjab province have refused to sell the commodity at the rate set by the court.
The federal cabinet yesterday formed a committee to look into the price of sugar and submit recommendations to control the situation within 10 days.
The shortage of sugar during the holy month of Ramadan, when people eat more sweet dishes while breaking their daily fast, has fuelled public resentment. The government has been selling sugar at subsidised rates at state-run shops but has been unable to satisfy demand.
Bureau Report
