JI rejects govt’s farmer package

LAHORE: Jamaat-i-Islami Punjab has rejected the Chief Minister’s recently announced farmer package, calling it a deceptive move aimed at pacifying protesting farmers without addressing their genuine demands.

In a strong statement, Ameer Jamaat-i-Islami Punjab Central, Muhammad Javed Kasuri, criticised the government for offering ‘lollipops instead of solutions.’ He said that instead of fulfilling legitimate demands, the government is trying to mislead the farmers, but they will not be deceived.

He demanded the government set the official wheat procurement price at Rs4,000 per 40kg, reduce electricity tariff, abolish taxes on agricultural inputs, and ensure complete wheat procurement from farmers.

Kasuri accused the government of formulating policies behind closed doors in alliance with the officer, which he said, would not benefit farmers nor reduce the price of bread. ‘A cartel of capitalists is once again preparing to loot farmers under the guise of this package,’ he added. He alleged that the so-called package was hastily announced in response to ongoing farmer protests, but it lacks substance and direction.