The Green Kissan Ittehad (GKI), a farmers’ group, has strongly opposed a 35 percent tax on agriculture in Pakistan, claiming it is unfair and harmful to farmers. This tax was ordered by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). At a press conference, GKI President Agha Lal Jan Ahmadzai said that farmers affected by the building of the Quetta-Karachi Highway should receive compensation.
He explained that 75 percent of people in Balochistan work in agriculture, growing fruits and vegetables that supply the whole country and generate a lot of tax money. Despite this, farming is struggling badly. Ahmadzai criticized the Quetta Electric Supply Company for their poor service, likening their actions to hurting farmers’ livelihoods by reducing crop production and drying out orchards.
He also mentioned that the livestock sector is suffering because farmers lack access to good medicines and vaccines. He demanded better quality medicines and mobile clinics for livestock owners. Ahmadzai emphasized GKI’s ongoing fight against illegal fishing in Balochistan’s coastal areas.
He pointed out that while farmers are trying to use modern farming tools and high-quality seeds, Balochistan lacks these resources, pushing agriculture and fishing to a crisis point. Without enough government support, farmers have to come up with their own ways to improve farming. He also called for a steady six-hour electricity supply until solar energy is fully installed. He criticized the government’s plan to spend only PKR 2 million to help extract water, saying it is far too little for the deep wells needed.
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