Govt faces internal rifts over wheat policy

Treasury lawmakers appeared divided over the government's wheat procurement policy during a general discussion in the Punjab Assembly on Wednesday, with several members criticizing the administration's failure to address farmers' concerns.

While initially defending the policy against opposition criticism, members of the treasury bench later joined in, expressing frustration over what they called ineffective initiatives taken in the name of farmer welfare.

Opposition legislators, including Sajad Warraich and Usama Gujjar, strongly criticized the government for failing to announce a clear wheat procurement strategy.

"Wheat is available, but the mechanism to purchase it is missing," Warraich said, terming the situation a "mockery of farmers."

He warned that the delay would only worsen the hardships faced by the already struggling farming community.

Adding to the criticism, PPP's Ali Haider Gillani said the government had shown no empathy toward farmers.

"The entire agriculture sector is demanding the announcement of a wheat support price," he said, urging immediate intervention.

Even members of the ruling alliance voiced discontent. PML-N's Sher Ali lamented the absence of relevant ministers during the debate, calling it a sign of the government's misplaced priorities. "How can we call this a meaningful discussion when no concerned minister is present in the House?" he asked.

Treasury MPA Saqib Khursheed echoed the sentiment, acknowledging that the government's initiatives for farmers "cannot be called commendable."

The session took a political turn as opposition members protested the recent arrests of Opposition Leader Ahmad Khan Bhachar, Aleema Khan, and others.

They staged a walkout, chanting slogans demanding their release along with PTI founding chairman Imran Khan.

Before exiting, the opposition pointed out a lack of quorum.

The treasury benches failed to present the required number of members to continue proceedings, forcing the Panel of Chairmen to adjourn the session until 2:00 PM today (April 18).