Khalid Hussain Batth, Chairman of Kissan Etihad Pakistan (KEP), has strongly criticized the Punjab government’s arrest of growers and the use of force against women, children, and the elderly.
He demanded the immediate release of all those detained by the provincial authorities.
During a press conference held on Friday alongside Asmatullah Dummar and other KEP leaders, Batth voiced serious concerns about the Punjab government’s delayed wheat procurement and urged prompt action at the government-fixed rate of Rs3,900 per tonne.
Batth issued a warning that if the Punjab government failed to procure wheat from farmers within a week, farmers would stage protests and block highways nationwide, disrupting traffic flow.
He revealed that despite the Punjab government’s commitment to purchase wheat at Rs3,900 per tonne, it reneged on its promise, prompting farmers to announce a sit-in protest in front of the Punjab Assembly on April 29.
Batth highlighted the Punjab government’s arrest of farmers and raids on their homes on the night of April 28, as well as the use of force against peaceful protesters by Punjab police.
He further alleged that middlemen and other groups were purchasing wheat from farmers at Rs2,900 per tonne, intending to sell it later at higher prices.
Batth demanded that the government uphold its commitment to purchase wheat at the announced rate of Rs3,900 per tonne.
He warned of protest rallies and sit-ins on highways, roads, and railway tracks, with tractor-trolleys carrying wheat, until procurement begins and farmers receive their dues.
Lastly, Batth emphasized the need for the Balochistan government to provide immediate free solar energy to farmers affected by recent rains, citing significant losses incurred by farmers in the region.
