Pakistan Kisan Ittehad has announced a nationwide protest in December to oppose the imposition of an agriculture tax, introduced at the behest of the IMF.
The announcement came from the union's president, Khalid Mahmood Khokhar, who emphasized that farmers are struggling to recover their production costs, putting the survival of agriculture at risk.
Khokhar stated that the movement is apolitical and independent of any political affiliations. Condemning the agricultural income tax, he remarked that such measures leave farmers feeling helpless, likening the situation to reciting Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un.
He also pointed out that farmers are facing severe hardships, including the disconnection of their electricity supplies, further compounding their difficulties.
Khokhar criticized the government for neglecting the agricultural sector, contrasting it with developed countries that offer support prices to safeguard their food systems. He warned that food security in Pakistan is now the most critical issue.
He further alleged that agriculture is being systematically undermined as part of an international agenda. Highlighting past mismanagement, he claimed that wheat imports have benefitted select individuals at the expense of local farmers.
Khokhar disclosed alarming statistics, including a 60% drop in mango production, a 70% decline in sesame seed production, and an expected 20-30% reduction in wheat yields. He also noted the rising legal cases against farmers, adding to their plight.
The Kisan Ittehad chief called for agriculture to be prioritized, cautioning that continued neglect of the sector would endanger the country's food security.
