MULTAN: Pakistan Kisan Ittehad (PKI) has announced a nationwide protest against the imposition of agriculture tax in December, which they claim is being enforced under the instructions of the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The announcement was made by Khalid Mahmood Khokhar, President of the Pakistan Kisan Ittehad, who emphasized that farmers are struggling to recover their production costs, making it increasingly difficult for them to sustain agriculture.
Khokhar clarified that the movement is independent and not affiliated with any political party. He criticized the agricultural income tax, saying that under the current circumstances, farmers may as well recite Inna Lillahi wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un. He also pointed out that farmers’ electricity connections are being disconnected, worsening their already dire situation.
Khokhar stressed that while developed countries support their agricultural sectors through guaranteed prices, food security in Pakistan has become a critical issue due to government neglect.
He accused the government of deliberately undermining agriculture under an international agenda, citing the recent importation of wheat that benefited certain individuals at the expense of local producers.
He also revealed alarming drops in local agricultural output, with mango production down by 60%, sesame seed production by 70%, and a projected 20-30% decline in wheat yield. Meanwhile, farmers are facing legal cases, adding further stress to their already difficult circumstances.
Khokhar called for agriculture to be prioritized and warned that neglecting the sector could jeopardize the country’s food security.
