MARDAN, Oct 28 The district administration and police raided Premier Sugar Mills (PSM) Mardan and recovered 75,000 bags of sugar hidden in its secret godowns here on Wednesday.

It was learnt that PSM Mardan was bound to supply 2,000 sugar bags of 100 kilograms on daily bases in the district but on Wednesday officials of the PSM refused to supply sugar to the concerned contractor.

It is worth mentioning that both the retailers and whole sellers are openly selling sugar at Rs55 to 60 per kg in the market despite a directive by Chief Justice Iftikhar Mohammad Chaudhry to ensure availability of sugar at Rs40 per kg.

On Wednesday, officials of the PSM flatly refused to supply sugar bags in the market after which both DCO Adil Khan and police officials led by ASP Touseef Ahmed raided the godowns of PSM and recovered 75,000 sugar bags of 100 kg each.

However, later on officials of PSM and district administration went under a dialogue and they released only 750 bags while rest they refused to supply. It was learnt that officials of PSM want waiting till the decision of the Supreme Court, which is expected in a day or two, because they think that price of the sugar may rise.

A meeting between the officials and PSM was continuing till filing of this story over the providence of sugar in the market. Neither officials of PSM or DCO office gave any details about the meeting.

MIDTERM POLL MNA Khwaja Mohammad Khan Hoti has demanded of the government to conduct midterm election or form a national government to solve the law and order issue, and control the soaring price hike in the country.

Talking to this scribe, he criticised both the provincial and federal governments, saying that the assemblies had failed to deliver. He demanded that a referendum should be held both on the National Reconciliation Ordinance (NRO) and Kerry-Lugar Act.Mr Hoti condemned that price hike was on its peak and sugar was not available in the local markets. He said that the local administration had failed to check prices of essential commodities. He blamed the government for the present crises. He predicted if the situation was not redressed immediately, it was possible that people would come on streets.

It may be added that Mr Hoti was elected on the ruling ANP ticket from Mardan in the general elections but later developed differences with the provincial leadership of the party. — Correspondent