Pakistani Farmers Prepare for Mass Protest in Islamabad
Pakistani farmers are planning a march on Islamabad to protest against high production costs and low crop prices. The Kissan Ittehad Pakistan, an organization representing agricultural workers, expects around 20,000 participants to take part in the march on the 25th.
The protesters intend to demand the resignation of the chief minister of Punjab province, payment of arrears to sugarcane producers, and the announcement of a fair wheat procurement policy and minimum price before sowing begins. The movement is self-funded by participants and has support in the provinces of Sindh and Balochistan.
Khalid Hussain Butt, president of Kissan Ittehad Pakistan, attributes the farmers' problems to high production costs and low crop prices. He also blames inconsistent and insufficient agricultural policies, sudden changes in decisions, and inadequate awareness among officials for the sector's issues.