Khalid Khokhar accuses Chief Minister of ignoring farmers’ concerns
MULTAN: The Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) has rejected the Punjab government’s recently announced Rs15 billion relief package for farmers, terming it inadequate and disconnected from ground realities.
Addressing a press conference in Multan, PKI President Khalid Khokhar said that the relief measures fail to address the genuine concerns of farmers, particularly the high cost of wheat production. He warned that if the government does not take immediate action, farmers may boycott wheat cultivation in the upcoming season.
“Farmers sowed wheat at the request of Maryam Nawaz, but now the government has turned a blind eye to their suffering,” Khokhar said. He criticized the subsidy offered, stating that it falls far short of covering input costs such as seeds, fertilizers, and electricity.
Khokhar also alleged that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has not engaged with farmers even once since taking office. “The cost of production is not being recovered. We are demanding our due rights,” he emphasized.
He expressed deep concern over the mounting mental stress among farmers, warning that continued government apathy could push some to the brink of suicide.
“The situation is becoming unbearable. If our voices are not heard, the government will be responsible for the consequences,” he concluded.
