Tensions flare in Punjab PA: Govt, opposition clash over wheat procurement policies

LAHORE: Tension on Thursday flared in the session of the Punjab Assembly as the government and opposition clashed over wheat procurement policies.

Chaired by Panel of Chairpersons Samiullah Khan, the session began 47 minutes late. The absence of ministers during a general discussion on wheat procurement sparked outrage, with both treasury and opposition members uniting in criticism. The opposition slammed the government’s alleged lack of interest in addressing farmers’ concerns.

During the session, Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture Usama Laghari’s unsatisfactory responses angered Samiullah Khan, who expressed frustration, stating, “Referring matters to committees instead of answering in the house is regrettable—responses should be given here.”

During the provincial assembly session, lawmakers strongly criticized the government for delaying the announcement of the wheat support price and demanded immediate action. Pakistan Peoples Party member Ali Haider Gillani stated that the entire country’s eyes are on Punjab, and the government must declare a support price for wheat to protect farmers. He argued that farmers cultivated wheat based on government promises, but those commitments remain unfulfilled. Raising concerns, he questioned what would happen to crops sown across 15 million acres if the support price is not announced. He also criticized the absence of the agriculture minister in the assembly, stressing that the government must provide relief to farmers.

Government member Saeed Akbar Nawani shared that wheat was cultivated on 16.48 million acres last year, compared to 16.51 million acres this year. He acknowledged that policies are made for public welfare but often fail to deliver tangible benefits. Questioning the solar panel scheme, he pointed out that farmers earn 800,000 rupees while companies profit 1 million rupees. He warned that if the wheat crisis is not resolved, next year’s wheat cultivation will suffer, forcing the country to import wheat and incur foreign exchange losses.

The debate highlighted growing frustration among lawmakers over the government’s handling of agricultural policies, with fears of long-term economic repercussions if immediate measures are not taken.

Opposition member Sajjad Warraich said the government is oppressing farmers, and due to its policy of not purchasing wheat, farmers are cursing the authorities.

Meanwhile, another opposition member, Usama Gujjar, claimed that farmers in India are earning profits on wheat, while in Pakistan farmers’ electricity meters are being removed. He urged the government to implement farmer-friendly policies, including the elimination of interest rates.

On the other hand, government member Sher Ali Khan pointed out that wheat is cultivated in every village of Punjab, but the absence of the agriculture minister and the arrival of a parliamentary secretary instead reflect the government’s lack of interest. He mentioned that farmers were encouraged to cultivate wheat, but now the government is refusing to buy it. He issued a warning that if the wheat procurement policy is not announced within ten days, farmers will not be able to bear the financial losses.

In the Punjab Assembly, the opposition protested against the arrest of opposition leader Ahmed Khan Bhachhar and other leaders, chanting slogans and staging a walkout from the house. During the protest, there was a heated exchange between government member Uzma Kardar and opposition members. After the protest, opposition member Sheikh Amtiaz pointed out the lack of quorum.

The Panel of Chairpersons, Agha Ali Haider, ordered the bells to be rung for five minutes. However, as the quorum was not met, the Panel of Chairpersons adjourned the Punjab Assembly session until tomorrow, April 18, at 2 PM.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025