PPP opposes proposed privatisation of Passco

LAHORE : Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Syed Hassan Murtaza condemned government's decision to privatise the Pakistan Agriculture Storage and Services Corporation (Passco).

Addressing a press conference held here on Wednesday, Murtaza said that the PPP opposed corruption, it did not believe in closing down government departments that serve the general public. He criticised the government's 'anti-farmer policies', which he believed would lead to a wheat shortage.

Murtaza highlighted the alarming trend of increased imports despite Pakistan's agricultural base. He questioned the government's rationale for selling 150,000 acres of wheat at a loss and emphasised the importance of farmer autonomy in setting prices for their produce. He also criticised the government's apparent neglect of the agriculture sector and its weakening of provincial units. He praised the reforms implemented by the PPP under Asif Zardari, highlighting improvements for farmers' prosperity during that period. He recalled past sugar shortages and credited government intervention in increasing sugarcane support prices for resolving the crisis. However, he expressed concern over rising costs of essential inputs for farmers.

Murtaza highlighted Passco's role in wheat procurement and distribution, emphasising the significant financial involvement of banks in the corporation. He noted that despite the government's minority stake, Passco has contributed substantially to the national exchequer.

He alleged that government ministers were involved in misappropriation and claimed to possess evidence of corruption within Passco centres.

Murtaza unequivocally stated that the PPP supported Passco and will vehemently oppose its closure. He warned that if Punjab refrains from wheat procurement, the consequences will be severe for the food supply chain.

The press conference was also attended by several PPP leaders, including Aurangzeb Burki, Mian Mubashir Rahman, Faisal Mir, Ayesha Nawaz and Inayat Ali Shah, along with Babar Ali and Anees Babar representatives from the All Pakistan Passco Employees Union.