Pakistan Kisan Ittehad, led by its president Khalid Mahmood Khokhar, has announced a nationwide protest in December, opposing the imposition of an agricultural income tax allegedly introduced on the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) demand.
Khokhar expressed concerns over farmers’ inability to recover production costs, highlighting the mounting challenges they face. He criticized the tax, claiming it further threatens the livelihoods of farmers and likened their plight to a national tragedy.
The movement, according to Khokhar, is apolitical and focuses solely on safeguarding agriculture. He accused the government of neglecting the sector, resulting in severe food security risks.
Citing examples, Khokhar stated that mango production has fallen by 60%, sesame seed output by 70%, and wheat yields are projected to drop by 20-30%. He also alleged that recent wheat imports have harmed local farmers while accusing authorities of disconnecting electricity connections and registering cases against agricultural workers.
He called for agriculture to be prioritized and warned that continued disregard for the sector could endanger Pakistan’s food security.