Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has imposed a ban on the export of sugar to stabilize prices and control hoarding of the commodity in the country, the Prime Minister's Office said on Monday.

The prime minister said the first priority is to fulfill the domestic demand and stabilize the prices of sugar for the people, the office said in a statement.

Sharif also directed the concerned authorities to take stringent measures against the smuggling of the commodity.

He ordered the concerned departments to sternly deal with hoarders, illegal profiteers and other factors involved in creating an artificial shortage of sugar, it added.

According to the statement, Sharif will keep himself updated on the implementation of the measures, adding that relevant authorities will be held accountable for any negligence.