ISLAMABAD, June 22: The federal government on Wednesday allowed import of essential food items, including unlimited quantities of raw and refined sugar, through land, sea and air routes to control rising prices in the country.

A decision to this effect was reached at a meeting between Adviser to Prime Minister on Finance Dr Salman Shah and a six-member delegation of leading importers.

The government had allowed import of five kinds of vegetables and livestock from India last month through land, but import of raw and refined sugar was added to the list following reports that its prices were continuously going up in the market.

The government decision to sell sugar at Rs23 per kilogram through Utility Stores Corporation failed to achieve desired results as its market prices went up beyond Rs29 per kilogram.

Dr Shah informed the delegation that wheat-flour import could also be allowed to curb its price-hike.

“The importers will be allowed to import sugar and other food items through any route, including land, sea and air,” said an official statement issued after the meeting.

It said the import of raw and refined sugar would be allowed in any quantity from any source at anytime.

The adviser promised to consider the importers’ request for permission to accept pre-shipment examination and certification at the port of the origin of livestock by internationally reputed companies to enable a swift import of animals to Pakistan.

The importers informed the adviser that there was enough supply of onion and tomato in the market. The future requirement of potato was discussed and the importers held out the assurance that it could be imported in a reasonable quantity at a short notice in case of shortage.

The importers apprised the meeting that Pakistani business delegations had visited neighbouring countries, including India and China, to explore the possibility of import of essential commodities.

It was decided that monthly meetings would be held with importers to review progress on the implementation of decisions and improve the facilitation measures.

The importers’ delegation comprised Raees Ashraf Tar Muhammed, chairman of the Pakistan Commodity Importers and Traders Association; S. Zulfiqar Ali R. of Zatco Group, wholesale sugar dealer Sheikh Amir Waheed, Mohammad Saleem Navtakia, Haji Fazal Ahmed of Hasan Traders and Haji Abdul Rauf Chappal of Chappal Traders.

Minister of State for Finance Omer Ayub also attended the meeting.