Nadeem Afzal Chan demands probe into sugar scandal, warns of political chaos

ISLAMABAD (ABN News): Senior politician Nadeem Afzal Chan has called for a transparent investigation into the ongoing sugar scandal, stressing the need to expose those responsible.

Speaking at ABN News’ program “Sawal Se Aagay”, Chan described the scandal as “daylight robbery” against the public, where sugar was first exported and then re-imported at inflated prices — burdening ordinary citizens from both ends.

He criticized how, despite official pricing, sugarcane farmers were denied their due payments, leading to a major disruption in the country’s agricultural balance. “The sugar mafia has damaged vital crops like cotton, wheat, and rice,” he said, adding that promoting sugarcane cultivation despite severe water shortages has pushed Pakistan’s agriculture towards collapse.

Chan also expressed deep concern over the deteriorating political discourse in Parliament, saying the rising level of foul language and aggression reflects a growing lack of political maturity. “Fights in the assembly are a disgrace to the democratic process,” he stated, urging political parties to educate their youth on civility, patience, and democratic norms. “The hallmark of a true political worker should be tolerance, not hatred,” he added.

Addressing the issue of rising disqualifications and political bans, Chan noted the increasing influence of the Election Commission and cautioned against hasty decisions, warning they could have serious consequences. He also accused the governors of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa of engaging in partisan politics while holding constitutional positions, calling it a violation of democratic values.

On the topic of no-confidence motions, he reaffirmed they are a constitutional right but condemned the buying and selling of votes as “poisonous for democracy.” He described the PTI-led government in KP as a “symbol of corruption” and warned that political polarization has reached dangerous levels, while the government appears helpless before powerful mafias.

Chan urged both the government and opposition to take responsibility for the worsening political climate. He said that meaningful dialogue between senior political leaders — including Asif Ali Zardari, Nawaz Sharif, and Maulana Fazlur Rehman — could ease tensions. He also advised the PTI founder to set aside his ego and adopt a more flexible political approach.

“If this chaos continues, everyone will suffer. Strengthening the state is in everyone’s best interest,” he concluded.

Taimur Saleem Jhagra said:

“It’s been 537 days — why hasn’t a decision been made in my case yet? The Election Commission is bound to give a verdict within 180 days. A complaint was filed against the judge in my case, and all his cases were withdrawn. A retired judge spent 10 months just looking for an office — justice was delayed.

I have an idea of which direction the decision is heading, but it doesn’t matter — I just want justice. If the system wants to further expose itself, let it. We need to make collective decisions, not individual ones. The government must decide whether it wants to fix the system or just stay in power.

Negotiations can happen not for relief, but for principles. The movement is tough, but it will succeed. Today, everyone needs to let go of chairs, positions, and personal interests.”