Pakistan, Sept. 17 -- Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) Chairman Zaka Ashraf said on Wednesday that there is currently a surplus sugar stock of 1.25 million tons in the country and the government should immediately grant permission for its exports.

Addressing a press conference at a local hotel, he added, "Thanks to the grace of Allah Almighty and the hard work of the farmers, the sugarcane crop has been excellent this year, resulting in a significant increase in sugar production. A surplus sugar production of 1.5 million tonnes is expected. If the 1.5 million tonnes of sugar stocks from the current and upcoming crushing seasons are combined, a substantial surplus will exist.

PSMA office-bearers stated that the sugarcane crop has ...