Farmers across Punjab have launched widespread protests against low wheat support prices and inadequate procurement policies.
From Sheikhupura to Dera Ghazi Khan, farmers are staging rallies and sit-ins, demanding a minimum wheat support price of Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 4,700 per 40kg. Currently, market rates are as low as Rs. 2,200 to Rs. 2,500, leaving growers unable to recover their input costs.
“We borrowed just to grow the wheat. Now we can’t even cover the cost,” said Muhammad Ashraf, a farmer from Sheikhupura.
In Rahim Yar Khan, the Kissan Board Pakistan protested outside the deputy commissioner’s office, criticising the government’s failure to buy wheat or offer fair prices. Similar rallies were held in Sargodha and Sahiwal, with farmers warning of province-wide sit-ins if their demands are ignored.
Tensions escalated in Hafizabad where police dismantled protest camps, arresting four and injuring others in baton charges.
Farmers are urging Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to intervene. Protesters say if authorities don’t act, they will halt the supply of farm goods and march to Islamabad.
