Wheat policy sparks heated debate

Punjab Assembly members allege maltreatment of protesting farmers

LAHORE:

Despite several days of intense debate in the Punjab Assembly regarding the government's wheat policy, both the treasury and Opposition benches remain dissatisfied with the government's response, which has been limited to a vague assertion that "things are moving better".

The discussion, which commenced after fiery speeches from both sides, centred on the maltreatment of farmers protesting across the province due to the government's failure to procure wheat at appropriate prices.

Tensions escalated when Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan disallowed Opposition leader Malik Ahmad Khan Bhachar to speak on a point of order regarding the arrests and FIRs filed against their leaders and supporters during recent rallies.

In response to this perceived injustice, the Opposition staged a protest at The Mall Road, condemning the government's wheat policy and showing solidarity with the farmers through slogans and placards. However, treasury members managed to persuade the Opposition to return to the House proceedings.

Throughout the debate on wheat policy, Opposition lawmakers expressed frustration, banging desks in support of their counterparts' speeches.

Members of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) highlighted the immense challenges faced by farmers in their constituencies due to the current wheat policy.

Chaudhry Hassan Riaz, speaking from the treasury benches, candidly acknowledged the dilemma faced by politicians torn between their political careers and the welfare of their constituents.

He lamented the failure to devise a farmer-friendly wheat policy.

Both treasury and Opposition members proposed solutions to alleviate farmers' hardships, focusing on the need for substantial relief measures. However, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mian Mujtaba Shujaur Rehman, also the finance minister, failed to satisfy the House with concrete details regarding the government's policy review or any proposed subsidies.

Despite the lack of clarity from the minister, he assured the House that progress was being made and promised to inform them of the government's steps by the following day.

In a related pre-budget discussion, Minister Rehman pledged to introduce a pro-people budget with increased allocations for health, education, and agriculture sectors. He outlined plans for various schemes benefiting senior citizens, women, and students.

Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan expressed a desire to adjourn the session but agreed to await the government's announcement on steps taken for farmers. The House applauded this decision.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 30^th, 2024.