Farmers Nationwide Protests In Pakistan Due To Wheat Crisis

The Kissan Ittehad Pakistan has announced plans for nationwide protests against the ongoing wheat crisis, starting on May 10 in Multan.

Discontent among farmers has risen due to plummeting wheat rates in the market, which are far below the government’s support price of Rs3,900 per 40kg. Farmers blame the decision to import wheat despite a reported “bumper crop” locally for exacerbating the crisis.

Read more: PTI Schedules Nationwide Protests For Imran Khan’s Release

Last month, farmers staged protests in Lahore and other cities, prompting the government to crack down on the demonstrations. Despite promises to safeguard farmers’ interests, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s administration appears reluctant to thoroughly investigate the wheat import issue and hold those responsible accountable.

However, a cabinet committee has been formed to investigate why the previous caretaker government, led by then-PM Anwar-ul-Haq Kakar, imported wheat despite adequate domestic supply.

The Kissan Ittehad Pakistan is determined to restart nationwide protests against the crisis. Alliance president Khalid Khokhar stated that they aim to protest not for personal gain but to save the nation.

Khokhar blamed the caretaker government for causing a loss of over Rs400 billion to the national treasury by importing $1 billion worth of wheat amid a foreign exchange shortage. He highlighted the dire situation faced by farmers, emphasizing the significant losses incurred due to the wheat import and its impact on other agricultural sectors.

The alliance criticized the government’s lack of regulation, particularly concerning urea prices, which has placed significant financial burdens on farmers.

The Kissan Ittehad Pakistan has pledged to lead nationwide protests against the government’s wheat policy, starting in Multan on May 10, with thousands of farmers and their families and livestock expected to participate. Khokhar stressed the crucial role of agriculture and called for relief measures to support farmers, who are vital to the nation’s economy.