Jamaat-e-Islami announces protest demonstrations across Punjab in support of farmers’ demands regarding wheat prices

LAHORE, April 27 (SABAH): Jamaat-e-Islami has announced the protest demonstrations across Punjab in support of farmers’ demands regarding wheat prices.

The Secretary General of JI, Ameerul Azim, announced that the sit-in protests will take place on Tuesday, April 30, at major roads throughout the province.

In a statement issued from Mansoorah on Saturday, Ameerul Azim said the escalating wheat crisis was due to the ill-conceived policies of the government. The provincial government, he said, was paying no heed to the problems of the farmers. He pointed out that the government, under pressure from the IMF, has revoked subsidies on essential agricultural products. As a result, he said, farmers are unable to sell their wheat at the government’s announced support price, with middlemen exploiting the situation by offering rates of their choosing.

Ameerul Azim highlighted the opportunistic behaviour of certain groups that take advantage of shortages or surpluses of basic necessities. He asserted JI’s unwavering support for the farmers, promising solidarity in the current circumstances.

Ameerul Azim demanded that the government should purchase wheat from farmers at the support price of Rs3,900 per 40 kg. He stressed the importance of government intervention to provide relief to farmers and ensure the availability of flour and bread to the general public.