Farmers stay put as sit-in continues for 6th day

PKI committee having talks with PM; no decision so far

ISLAMABAD:

Even after the passage of six days, the protesting farmers continued to stage the sit-in in the federal capital’s financial hub, Blue Area, against the high cost of electricity and fertilisers. The grumbling growers have been protesting at Khyber Plaza Chowk for six consecutive days.

Even on Monday, the 4pm deadline set by the government did not work and the deadlock remained in place as the expected notification could not be issued even after the time elapsed.

Meanwhile, on the call of Federal Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah, a committee of Pakistan Kissan Ittehad (PKI) has now left for talks with PM Shahbaz Sharif. However, no decision could be made so far.

The farmer leaders said they will only be able to give the next action plan after the meeting with the premier it will then be decided whether the sit-in should end or the farmers will continue protesting for their demands.

On the other hand, the Islamabad admin is also trying to maintain the law-and-order situation in the city. Negotiations were also attempted by DC Irfan Nawaz but in vain.

.Published in The Express Tribune, October 4^th, 2022.