Pakistani Opposition Party to March towards Lahore on May 10
Published on: May 7, 2024.
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Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) will be organizing a march from Multan to Lahore on March 10 to address their concerns and protest against the wheat issue. Thousands of farmers are expected to participate in the march, along with their families, tractors, trollies, and animals. The protest will continue until an agricultural emergency is imposed in the province.
During a press conference held in Multan, Chairman Pakistan Kissan Ittehad Khalid Khokhar emphasized the need for the government to take immediate action. He called for the announcement of wheat purchases, reduced electricity tariffs, and a decrease in urea fertilizer prices. Khokhar also raised concerns about the recent wheat crisis, claiming that the decision to import wheat was motivated by corrupt practices. He demanded punishment for those involved in this alleged scandal.
Khokhar highlighted the stress faced by farmers due to the lack of wheat purchases. This situation has made it difficult for farmers to sow important crops such as cotton and rice. He pointed out that Pakistan’s annual export of agricultural products amounts to approximately $22 billion out of a total of $31.5 billion in exports. If farmers are unable to focus on the next crop, there is a risk of decreased exports for the country.
The Chairman of Pakistan Kissan Ittehad expressed disappointment with the neglect of the agriculture sector in the country. He stated that the spending on the agriculture sector is only 0.8 percent of the total GDP, questioning how a country can progress with such minimal investment in agriculture. Khokhar called on civil society, lawyers, students, journalists, and others to join the farmers in their protest, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and supporting the agricultural community.
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