THE government’s persistent fixation with sugar is mind-boggling. Recently, the government decided to import a large quantity of sugar, and has also repeatedly attempted to fix sugar prices and regulate its availability. One really wonders why the government is so obsessed with this particular commodity.

Sugar, after all, is far from being an essential nutrient for human survival. Carbohydrates in general — and sugar in particular — are already abundant in our diet owing to the consumption of wheat, rice and other grains. In fact, our sugar consumption is on the higher side as is evident by the fact that Pakistan ranks third globally in terms of absolute diabetes prevalence.

In stark contrast, according to global data, 38 per cent of children aged under five are stunted in Pakistan. This is primarily due to protein deficiency. The cheapest sources of protein are chicken and eggs, and they have increasingly become unaffordable to the average household. Yet, the government remains oddly concerned only with the affordability of sugar.

The media shares this obsession as well, with any change in sugar prices making headlines. Ironically, the biggest consumer of sugar is the processed food industry, which hides behind the common man to manipulate the market.

The common man needs affordable wheat and chicken, and may even benefit from sugar becoming even more unaffordable. The government and media should shift their focus to real issues. No one will die or suffer malnutrition due to lack of sugar.

Waleed Ahmed
Hyderabad

Published in Dawn, August 19th, 2025