Pakistan has recorded a massive 7,906.15 percent increase in sugar imports during the first seven months of the current fiscal year, according to new data released by the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics.
The report shows that from July to January, sugar imports crossed $17.46 million, compared to only $211,800 during the same period last year. In January 2026 alone, sugar imports stood at $23.4 million, reflecting a 46.38 percent increase compared to the previous month.
Food imports overall have also gone up. In January, food imports increased by 7.74 percent, while over the seven-month period they rose by 19.26 percent. The total value of food imports during this time exceeded $5.5 billion.
Other key imported items included tea worth more than $37.65 million, palm oil exceeding $235 million, and dried fruits valued at over $11 million.
Mobile phone imports also saw a significant rise. During the seven-month period, mobile phone imports reached $114 million, marking a 31.36 percent increase compared to last year. In January 2026 alone, mobile phone imports increased by 33.62 percent.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, the National Accountability Bureau filed a reference in an accountability court against a private sugar mill and officials of the Trading Corporation of Pakistan.
The Ministry of Commerce had submitted a complaint to NAB over the alleged misuse of 5,365 metric tons of sugar. The matter was first discussed in the Public Accounts Committee, which later referred the case to NAB for investigation.
NAB Karachi conducted an inquiry under the National Accountability Ordinance regarding corruption allegations related to sugar stocks. According to the investigation, the accused individuals worked together with TCP officers to commit fraud.
NAB said that the corruption caused an estimated loss of Rs960 million to the national treasury. A spokesperson confirmed that NAB Karachi has now upgraded the initial inquiry into a formal investigation.
