JI gives four days to review ‘anti-farmer stance’

LAHORE:Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Ameer Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman Thursday gave a four-day deadline to the Punjab government to reconsider its decision regarding non-procurement of wheat from farmers or brace for a protest movement.

Addressing a press conference at Mansoorah, the JI Ameer asserted that if the provincial government persists with its anti-farmer stance, the JI will stage a sit-in outside the Punjab Chief Minister's office.

He also demanded the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the wheat import scandal. He expressed his concern over the import of wheat by former caretaker government despite sufficient stock of the commodity. The JI chief emphasised that those involved in wheat import decision must appear before the inquiry commission and resign from their positions pending investigation.

He announced that the JI-backed farmer protest camps would commence from Friday across divisional and district headquarters of Punjab till Tuesday, while the JI will plan to initiate a sit-in if the government remains adamant.

He urged the JI Kissan-chapter to liaise with farmer organisations, denouncing government attempts to sow division among farmers. The JI chief implored the media to highlight the plight of small farmers, who constitute 96 percent of agriculture landowners, and in favour of land reforms. He vowed to spearhead a movement for land reforms in the country in future. The JI chief underscored that the JI's pro-farmer movement stemmed from extensive consultations with farmer leaders, lawyers, and agriculture professionals, affirming the party's commitment to championing growers' rights.

He criticised the government, saying it lacked the mandate to reverse wheat procurement policies and thwart the aspirations of wheat growers. He highlighted nature of the government's decision not to procure wheat, contrasting it with the prime minister's pledge to do so, and criticized the Punjab Chief Minister for refusing to comply. He maintained the JI would compel the government to rescind its decision.