Sindh High Court Dismisses Sugarcane Price Petition

The Sindh High Court dismissed a petition on March 7, 2026, seeking a new minimum support price for sugarcane, confirming that the previously set price of Rs302 per 40 kilograms will remain in effect. The court noted that the provincial government has not made any decision to revise this price.

The last notification regarding the sugarcane price was issued in November 2022, fixing it at the aforementioned rate. The court highlighted that the delay in announcing a new price was due to financial commitments with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

The petition was filed by the Sindh Growers Alliance along with a sugarcane grower, who argued that the government had issued a notification for the crushing season without declaring a minimum support price. However, the court referred to the Sugar Factories Control Act of 1950, which grants the government the authority to set the minimum price each season.

Additionally, the court specified that a quality premium for sugarcane was established at 50 paisa per 40 kilograms for every 0.1 percent increase in sugar recovery, with the cane commissioner assuring that this premium would be paid to suppliers at the end of the current crushing season.

In a separate matter, the Sindh High Court also addressed a challenge to the Sindh Governor’s order regarding the former K-Electric CEO’s plea in a harassment case. The governor had set aside an ombudsperson’s order that found the former CEO guilty of harassment.

The petitioner, Mahreen Aziz Khan, contended that the governor erred by disregarding the ombudsperson’s findings without considering the evidence presented. The ombudsperson had previously noted that the allegations of sexual harassment were serious and highlighted significant issues within the corporate sector.

As the legal proceedings continue, observers are keenly watching for any further developments regarding both the sugarcane pricing and the harassment case. Details remain unconfirmed.