Hafiz Naeemur Rehman leads JI protests in Punjab

The newly-elected Emir of Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan, Hafiz Naeemur Rehman, has announced protest demonstrations across Punjab to express solidarity with farmers and press the government to accept their demands. The sit-in protests are scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 30, on major roads throughout the province. Ameerul Azim, the Secretary General of JI, attributed the escalating wheat crisis to the government's misguided policies. He criticized the provincial government for neglecting the farmers' plight and highlighted the withdrawal of subsidies on essential agricultural products, a decision influenced by pressure from the IMF. As a result, farmers are struggling to sell their wheat at the government's support price, while middlemen are taking advantage of the situation. Azim also condemned certain groups for exploiting shortages or surpluses of basic necessities for personal gain. He reassured farmers of JI's unwavering support during these challenging times.

In conclusion, the protest demonstrations organized by JI in Punjab reflect the growing discontent among farmers due to the government's policies regarding agricultural subsidies and support prices. The withdrawal of subsidies has exacerbated the wheat crisis, leading to farmers facing difficulties in selling their produce at fair prices. JI's stance in standing with the farmers against exploitation and advocating for their rights underscores the need for policy reforms to address the challenges faced by the agricultural sector in Pakistan.