PSMA Announces New Office-bearers
LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Sep, 2026)
Pakistan Sugar Mills Association (PSMA) here Wednesday announced elections at its 2026 Annual General Meeting, according to which:
- Asim Ghani Usman was elected as PSMA Chairman.
- Muhammad Rafique was elected as Senior Vice Chairman.
- Aslam Farooq was elected as Chairman (South Zone).
- Khan Muhammad Ashraf was elected as Chairman (North Zone) .
Unopposed candidates were elected for these positions.
PSMA's spokesman told media that the executive committee members were also elected:
- South Zone: Asim Ghani Usman, Aslam Farooq, Ahmed Bawani, Dr. Tara Chand, and Zaid Zakaria
- North Zone: Muhammad Rafiq, Khan Muhammad Ashraf, Ahmed Ali Tariq, Hasan Ahmed, and Ahmed Jahanzeb Khan
The outgoing Chairman, Chaudhry Zaka Ashraf, presented the annual report highlighting challenges faced by the sugar industry and termed deregulation as the only solution. He extended his best wishes to the newly elected officials and reaffirmed his commitment to collaboration.
Newly elected Chairman Asim Ghani Usman stated that the sugar industry is facing significant challenges. He proposed forming a committee comprising five to six members to submit recommendations to the government regarding deregulation, emphasizing that growth in any sector depends on deregulation, as seen with other crops and agro-based industries. He argued for lower sales tax (from 18%) and urged the government to consider deregulating the sugar sector before the start of the 2026-27 crushing season, warning that mill closures would cause losses for both mills and farmers.